Valentines Day just passed not too long ago. Usually people spend that time thinking of our close relationships. You probably got a card, a gift, or planned a special time for those you love, but did you know that there are people around you that didn't do anything, get anything, or go anywhere? Not by choice. There are people around us who are going through such hard challenges right now and have never said a word to anyone. They work with you and me. They go to church with you and me. They live near us. They are hurting badly and you would never know it. Tonight I started one post and it has turned into something totally different. This is on my heart and I feel that I need to tell others. Maybe you are supposed to help someone, or maybe this is you- needing someone to step into your world.
We trust God always, but Jesus said that storms will come to all. Things have been rough on many households lately. Sometimes it's hard to see that light at the end of the tunnel. This post is for someone (maybe many) out there right now. You've come a long way. You've seen God move in your life. You've been close to Him and you love Him, but you feel as if you're just holding on. You are wondering "why?". I want you to know that I've been where you are. My heart goes out to you, whoever you are. When you're in the thickest of the thick of it, there is no one who stands closer to you than Jesus. You are never alone, so don't give that thought any more energy. Keep holding on. Look to God's word and pray it daily. He is the I AM. He is Jehovah. He is your All in All. Don't faint. You're not sunk. You are just rising up! You can't fail if you don't quit!
So now what do we do to address the problems in our lives and in the lives of those around us? Well, I am challenging myself and anyone else who wants to make a change and be changed to join me in 2 simple steps I am calling The Love Challenge.
First, find someone to talk to. Don't hold it all in. Hurt, disappointment, anger, and other feelings can drive you to think and do things you wouldn't normally do. Prayer time is good, but God didn't call us to walk solo. It helps when there is another person to counter bad thought patterns, point out the good, help us stay balanced and confirm God's word. Don't let pride keep you from connecting with others. If you're feeling alone already, thoughts that cause you to be further secluded are not right.
Secondly, find someone to give to. You might say, "What?! I can't afford what my family needs. I can't give!", but you can. Why? Because money doesn't flow from your heart, it flows from your pocketbook and that is not where we give from. We give from our hearts, where there is something much better and lasting that flows- Love. You have gifts and talents that others enjoy and would love to have. You are unique. Give of your uniqueness. What is in your heart? Give that! Maybe it's a nursing home full of people just longing for a visit or a song from someone who cares. Maybe it's a child in the hospital who would love a cool drawing or a girl who would like her nails painted. Maybe your neighbor just can't push that mower or use that rake anymore. In giving to them, you'll find healing. You'll find that your mind has peace and rest from the usual tormenting thoughts you were meditating on. As you reach out you'll be happier and want to do more.
Part of this is for me, but this is for many others as well. I dare you to take these 2 steps with me starting this week. Encourage others by posting what you are doing and how it is helping you. I can't wait to do this with anyone who will join. Let's move up and out. Let's rise and shine together. Who's with me?!
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