Hope

Loving the Outcasts

Fear, Freedom, Hope, Life
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Wherever Jesus walked, he always noticed the outcasts, the ones shunned by society for reasons completely out of their control. His love and compassion compelled Him to heal and restore each person.

One day Jesus decided to sail to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.

And when He had come out onto the land,
He was met by a certain man from the city who was possessed with demons;
and who had not put on any clothing for a long time,
and was not living in a house, but in the tombs.
Luke 8:27 (NASB)

This outcast was treated as a crazy man because the demons inside him caused violent behavior. Restrained by chains and shackles, he was kept under guard; but he would break through and, driven by the demons, run into the desert.

Jesus approached the man that day and began commanding the demons to come out of him. Instead, the demons began screaming and pleading with Him not to send them into the abyss but to allow them to enter the nearby herd of swine. Jesus granted permission, knowing the swine would race down the steep embankment and drown in the lake.

A terrifying incident, for sure, but the love of Jesus triumphed and forever changed the outcast’s life. Two amazing scenes unfolded. And those are what captured my heart.

1.  The man sat at Jesus’ feet.

We might think he’d feel embarrassed and humiliated to stay around after all the uproar. But the love that had delivered him drew him to the feet of Jesus…a sacred place. As we picture him sitting there, fully clothed, calm, and coherent, we can understand why.

     He felt comfortable being with Jesus.

     He felt loved and accepted by Jesus.

     His fear was gone.

2.  The man received a commission from Jesus.

His deliverance by Jesus ushered in a feeling of hope he’d never experienced. Now he could be part of the society that had shunned him before.

Filled with purpose and love for Jesus, the man begged Jesus to let him join his ministry. Certainly, he envisioned the joy and privilege of following Jesus and witnessing more miraculous healings.

Instead, Jesus commissioned him to go and tell his story.

Return to your house and
describe what great things God has done for you.
Luke 8:39 (NASB)

Obediently, the man began walking toward his house, but something happened on the way.

He proclaimed throughout the whole city
what great things Jesus had done for him.
(Luke 8:39)

Jesus has commissioned us as well. Because of His love, He not saved us. He also sent us to tell our story to everyone we meet so they will know how God has transformed our lives. And as we speak, God can change other people’s lives through us.

Is there someone who needs to hear your story this week?

Mary’s Heart

Choices, Faith, Hope, Joy
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Hearing the song Mary Did You Know? always moves me to tears. Each time I try to imagine the emotions that swirled in Mary’s heart when the angel Gabriel presented the life-altering news that she would give life to the Son of God.

Have you ever wondered how Mary had the courage to respond to such a shocking message? She didn’t whisper a soft yes. She boldly declared, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me, according to your word.”  

The reasons why young Mary accepted her mission so willingly is beautifully described by Debby Thompson, who writes under the banner of Living With Eternal Intentionality®. With Debby’s permission, I’m sharing this excerpt from her December blog, “Mary Said Yes.” You may read the rest of her story here.

Mary said Yes to God—to His will, to His plan, to His call on her life. Her destiny was contained in her response, and I am astounded each time I read it (Luke 1:38)! How was this humanly possible for one so young, so innocent?

A closer look sheds lights on her faith-filled choice.

Mary said yes to God because she knew the Word of God.

Because she knew the Word of God, she knew the Person of God. 

And

Because she knew the Person of God, she was prepared to say yes to the opportunity of God.

Her song (Luke 1:46-55) is saturated with Old Testament teaching where she exclaims the character of God, the faithfulness of God, the power of God, even the priorities of God. The significance of her response is steeped in the significance of Scripture. And here the connective gem emerges:

Knowing her God and knowing His Word laid the foundation for Mary to say yes to God with pure, simple faith.

The God that Mary knew invited her into His plan, and Mary said yes. She chose to believe (Luke 1: 45). She chose to obey.


Friends, in this divine season let us look for ways to deepen our love for God and our knowledge of His Word. Then, like Mary, we will be able to say yes to whatever invitation God presents to us in the coming year.

Appreciate What You Have

Choices, Faith, Hope, Joy, Life
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What a great perspective for us to embrace this year, 
especially during this week of Thanksgiving.

I sometimes take things for granted, do you? Acknowledging what I have, however, helps me look above difficult circumstances, disappointments, and fears, and focus on God rather than myself. Being thankful, restores my hope for the future and softens the effects of uncertainty. The truth that makes the greatest difference in my life is that I belong to God. He knows my name, gives me what I need each day, and will never stop loving me. A lifetime will never be long enough to thank Him for the wonderful relationship we share.

Below are some other blessings that came to my mind. What blessings are on your list?

Family

I no longer have parents or aunts and uncles who are alive to love me and encourage me. But I am thankful for my nieces, nephews, and cousins who like to hear my voice, seek my advice, and express their love to me. They know I am there for them, and they fill my life with joy. Some are facing serious crises with their children. This is a fragile time, but I know God has placed me in their lives so I can bring their burdens to my Heavenly Father and ask Him to show them the way when there seems to be no way.

Steadiness

God gives me physical, emotional, mental and spiritual fortitude to accept and deal with whatever happy or sad events spill into my days. By relying on this favorite verse in Psalms, I am able to stay steady.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord; with him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8, NIV

Praying that your Thanksgiving Day will be memorable for you and your loved ones, in whatever way you celebrate.

Our Window of Time is Now

Choices, Faith, Hope
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I sat with my legs dangling over the marble ledge at the front of the Lincoln Memorial in the National Mall. 

Three friends and I melded with more than 55,000 people to march in Washington D.C. on September 26, as participants of the Prayer March 2020 organized and led by Franklin Graham.

Excitement filled the air as the crowd anticipated what would take place first at the Lincoln Memorial, then the World War II memorial, Washington Monument, and three other historic stops before ending at the U.S. Capitol. 

While waiting for the event to begin, a delegation on the steps behind us began singing praise songs as if they were the designated choir. Our voices joined with theirs. When someone began singing from the front, we quickly recognized Michael W. Smith’s voice.

After this glorious time of worship, Franklin and his family crossed the field and walked to the central area. He welcomed the flood of people who stood on the steps and covered the area surrounding the reflection pond in front of us. He began his prayer, “Father, our country is in trouble, and we need your help.  We’re at a crucial point in this country.”

While Franklin was speaking, we noticed black limos approaching a side area that had been cleared of people. From our perfect viewing place, we watched the surprise arrival of Vice President Mike Pence along with his wife, Karen.

Following Franklin’s official introduction, Mike looked over the crowd and began speaking words of courage and hope. Then he shifted to the importance and urgency of prayer, along with assurance that God would hear our prayers. “In these challenging times, we are to remember that in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God. The Bible tells us to persevere in prayer. That the prayer of the upright pleases Him. That the effect of the fervent prayer of the righteous people avails much.”

After other leaders spoke at the Lincoln Memorial and lead us in fervent prayers, both corporately and individually, all of us connected to our mobile apps so we could listen to the presentations and prayers while we marched to each historic stop.

A favorite picture I took along the way focused on an older couple deep in prayer at the base of the Washington Monument. Small American flags attached to the railing waved in the breeze. Another delight was spotting a dozen young people huddled together in a circle, praying their hearts out. 

After our final prayers at the Capitol, my friends and I realized what a privilege we’d had to march with thousands of others to demonstrate our love for God and our trust in Him to hear our prayers and heal our nation. Yet, God was also speaking to our individual hearts, telling us we needed to examine our personal lives. This sense of urgency began the night before.

Even in the rain, we stood with thousands of others who had gathered for a simultaneous event called The Return, which lasted from Friday night through Saturday. Jonathan Cahn, author of The Harbinger and leader of The Return movement, organized this Return event to alert believers to God’s urgent call to search their hearts, repent, turn from their sins, and return to God so that revival could come to this nation and the world.

Prior to The Return event, Jonathan recalled the terrifying 9/11 attack and how people flocked to houses of worship out of fear and desperation. It appeared that revival might break out across the country, but he said it never happened because there was a lack of repentance in people’s hearts.

God declares in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their sinful ways, I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.”

It is this petition from God that brought thousands of believers to Washington D.C. for these two events. Millions from 57 countries viewed the live streams. An undeniable confirmation of God’s presence throughout the weekend was that no opposition was seen or heard. The praise and prayers of believers gave the enemy no foothold.

The enemy is continually trying to defeat us individually, nationally, and globally. He wants to keep us from hearing God and following Him wholeheartedly. We must not pass up the opportunity for repentance, renewal and revival like we did after 9/11.

During that time of terror, both believers and unbelievers flooded the churches. Ironically, because of the current pandemic, churches were required to close their doors. People were isolated in their homes, unable to go to the very place where they could find love, hope, and a closeness to God. Believers had less opportunities to live out their faith for others to see.   

Franklin Graham says, “Nationwide transformation must begin in individual hearts. Pray for God to bring repentance and widespread renewal to the church so that believers will boldly share His love with others—and ask Him to draw lost people across our country to faith in Jesus Christ.” 

God is calling you and me to search our hearts, listen to His correction, and let go of any sins that block our relationship with Him. If we continually release our sins to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with power and courage to lead others to Christ, we can be part of the revival He longs to bring to our broken nation. Our window of time is now.

WATCH THE EVENTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Millions of people from 57 countries viewed the Prayer March during the live stream. To watch all of the March and hear the wonderful commentary, click here.

To watch only the presentation and prayers at each of the seven stops of the Prayer March, click here.  

To watch the Friday night portion of The Return event, as well as Part 1 and Part 2 of Saturday, click here.

Light in the Darkness

Choices, Connections, Hope, Life
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In these last months we have seen so much darkness. Feelings of hopelessness have overwhelmed many people in this country and around the world.

How does God want us to respond? His Word makes it clear that He wants us to shine His light in this dark place. We may have no inkling of whether we are making a difference or not, but God knows. 

Let's ponder a few things Jesus said. Then I'll share a personal story about how God shone His light through me into someone's darkness, without my awareness.

This first passage in Matthew 5:14-16 may be a familiar one to you.

14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV) 

As believers, we have the light of Christ in our lives. He doesn't want us to hide the light He's given us. Instead, He wants us to shine it like a beacon on a hill, or a lamppost along the road, or a flashlight on a path. Our light can shine brightly during personal conversations, as well as through phone calls, a written note, an email, or a post.

In John 8:12, Jesus talks about being the Light of the world in the midst of a tense discussion with some scribes and Pharisees.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (NASB)

You can sense the burden that Jesus bore when He saw people remaining in darkness when they could be living in the light.

And this is where my story comes in. You never know what God is doing while you're seeking to shine His light.

One of my nephews has been walking in darkness. He's aware of God but continues to choose glittering, unhealthy activities. He did provide incredible physical help as caregiver to two people with major illnesses in our family. But his continuing destructive choices eventually led to life-threatening illnesses.

While his mother was living, we enjoyed a good relationship and built beautiful memories. He knew I was a Christian and seemed pleased about my chosen life career as a missionary. Though I freely talked about God around him, he never seemed interested in knowing God for himself.

After his mother's death, we lost track of each other. For 12 years. Until last month.

"Gail I turned 63 today. I miss u and I love u. Out of the hospital yesterday. Not in very good health. Actually lousy. I really want to connect with you. I have been through so much.  But there has not a day gone by I haven't had u in my mind.  And heart.  I so hope ur ok.  Anyway please get hold of me."

After recovering from my shock, I quickly wrote back to assure him of my love and God's love, and to help him realize God was offering him a chance to live.

That same day, he emailed me back. "I'm directing my life but under his direction. I had a short but great conversation with my nurse. I'm hoping if I keep my ears and heart open he will send me more of his great wisdom. Yesterday was a game changer for me. I'm gonna stop feeling like giving up. I miss u and I'll always love u."

My heart soared with the way his perspective had changed, conceivably through whatever words the nurse had spoken. I believe she was an angel sent by God to soften his heart so the watered seeds would have a chance to grow. 

During all those years of being around my nephew, I never knew what he was seeing or hearing. Now in this most desperate hour, God drew him back to where he had first seen the light. I will keep shining God's light on my 63-year-old nephew and showing him the way to open his heart to God while he still has life and breath.

Friends, don't despair about what is happening around you. Keep the Light within you burning brightly, so it will shine in the darkness of someone else's life.

Do you have a story to tell? Or a way you have been blessed by having the Light of the world in you? Feel free to leave your comment below. 

 

Fear or Faith?

Choices, Faith, Fear, Hope
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I invited my friend, Shirley Mewhinney, to share her recent experiences
during the unexpected crisis that has rocked our world.

There isn't a better message for our world today than Gail's blog title, Live Above Fear!

In our private times, and even in public, most of us are experiencing moments of fear and anxiety as we wait out one of the most severe times of testing our nation has ever faced, a new war known as COVID-19.

I’ve heard that our current world disaster closely rivals the last great crisis, World War II, for its toll on our national resources and stamina. I was born during the World War II era, so along with my age, my diabetes puts me in the current highest COVID-19 risk category. Needing to accomplish tasks while isolated in the confines of my own home has increased my anxiety.

Thoughts rush through my mind:  What is happening out there? Why can't I have a part in helping with such great needs?  How will I keep myself supplied with the products I need?  How can I stay safe when the enemy is invisible? Am I taking enough precautions? Will my loved ones be safe? How can I live above fear?

Early one morning I woke up with food on my mind, not because I was hungry; but because I felt anxious about how I could maintain my routine of going out to purchase fresh produce and other healthy food to keep my well-controlled diabetes stable.

Feeling somewhat helpless, I reached for my daily devotional book* published in 1993 and turned to March 17. I discovered a message relevant to 2020. The title was a question, “Do You Worry?” followed by a passage from Psalms.

All living things look to You for food,
and You give it to them at the right time.
You open Your hand, and You satisfy all living things.
Psalm 145: 15-16

The author then explained that the word "worry" comes from a word meaning "to divide." When we worry, our focus is divided and we become our own problem. I knew I needed to refocus and trust God to provide what I need.

A couple mornings later, I woke up concerned about my health. What does a person do if they begin experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus? During my isolation, I had heard many "don'ts" but hadn’t discovered many "do’s."

Again, I reached for my devotional book and turned to March 19. “Trust in the Lord” was the heading this time, accompanied by another portion from Psalms.

God, I look to You for help. I trust in You, Lord.
Psalm 141:8 

The author spoke directly to my heart’s concern when he said, "Do not put your hope in things that can change—relationships, money, talents, beauty, even health. Set your sights on the things that can never change: trust in your heavenly Father."

God knew I needed to trust Him for nutritious food and ways to respond to health issues. I refocused my thoughts on His love and faithfulness. He is the One who never changes, though everything in our world may shift, instilling fear in our hearts.

Some may remember how brave and united our country was during World War II.  Civilians and military alike were rushing into harm’s way to save our nation. Today, heroes in our nation and around the world are putting themselves in danger to avert the spread of this invisible virus, and one great way we can all participate and live above fear is to pray for them and one another as we have been doing in all times of threat.

Even though we have and will suffer heartbreaking losses personally and as a nation, we can trust our never-changing God. With His power and grace, our nation did come back following World War II, and we will come back again from COVID-19.

* Walking with the Shepherd, by Max Lucado

Memory of Love

Faith, Hope, Journey, Joy
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You’re my favorite granddaughter!

My grandmother—affectionately called Grandmartie—showered me with love and filled empty spaces in my young life and into adulthood. She had that way about her.

My mother and father worked full time, which gobbled up much of their time.  Fortunately, Grandmartie lived close by.

I loved being at my grandmother’s house. Memories flooded my heart when I came across the pictures of me sitting on her lap, along with her dog Judy. And blowing bubbles on her back step with my brother Greig.

My grandparent’s spacious backyard place allowed room for Greig and me to play, and became the place of family gatherings when the weather permitted. How well I remember perching on their lawn swing, and leaning over the edge to let the juice and seeds of my scrumptious slice of watermelon fall on the grass.

Some days after school, I’d bound up her backstairs, calling “yoo-hoo,” a greeting I learned from her. The delight in her face when she saw me trot around the corner into the kitchen sent an undeniable message: “You are special. I’m glad you’re here.” Often, she’d ask, “Want me to fix you an eggnog?”

Quality time. That was her greatest gift. It didn’t matter what we were doing together. Her presence poured love, personal interest, security, and devotion into my heart. Her words and teaching built confidence within me that eventually overpowered my shyness.

After I went away to college and then ventured to California to begin serving with Cru, an international Christian organization, her influence continued. I looked forward to receiving Grandmartie’s personal notes, crafted in her beautiful, unique handwriting.

She believed in me and prayed for my future. My choice to join the staff of Cru brought her joy, because she had talked to me about Jesus from the time I was small. She knew I had stepped on a path where I would have the chance to help others know about Him.

After living and working in California for seven years, I accepted an overseas assignment with Cru in the Philippines. Soon I began receiving Grandmartie’s airmail letters relating her latest ventures and news of the family, as well as encouraging words and wise advice.

Then she and my mom began talking about traveling to the Philippines for my first Christmas. A wrinkle in that dream plan surfaced when someone knocked her off balance at the retirement home, and she broke her hip. Still she was determined to make the trip to see me. After six months of vigorous therapy, she boarded the plane with Mom. Her age? 86!!

Little did I know that my Grandmartie still had more years ahead to love and nurture me. Just short of 100, she left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior. Yet, her legacy of love has enabled me to become the woman she envisioned and the person God designed me to become. 

The greatest gift anyone can give us is love. What special person has poured love into your life?

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God;
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 

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Learn, Live, Hope

Hope, Journey, Joy, Life
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What has happened in your life so far this year?

Have you started pursuing one of your resolutions? Maybe you’ve taken a risk and tried something new. Perhaps you’re at a standstill, overwhelmed by your long list. Or you’ve check off one major thing and you’re smiling right now. If you allowed God to refresh you through a friend this week, you’re probably energized to take the next step. Undoubtedly, we’re at various stages in our journey.

I’ve adopted the above quote as my motto for this new year. Maybe it has resonated with you, as well. All of us lived yesterday in the best way we could. Yet, certainly we can learn from a decision we wish we hadn’t made, or a conversation with a family member or friend that didn’t go well, or the way we allowed fear to shatter our confidence in a certain situation. We can give all those things to God and learn from yesterday.

We’ve already lived yesterday, but now we can embrace the present. Today, let’s live in the moment, capturing all we can from each experiences and allowing joy to overcome even a disappointment. If we put our heart into whatever is happening in front of us, we won’t miss what God has prepared. How is today going for you?

We don’t know how tomorrow is going to play out, but we can have hope because God has a good plan for the rest of our future. Scary unknowns may be lurking, but we can let go of those thoughts, trust God, and return to enjoying today! If we belong to God, we are assured that He will equip us to handle whatever tomorrow may bring.

Learn, live and hope. Let’s contemplate these words today as we stand in the crossroad between yesterday and tomorrow.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11, TLB

LIVE ABOVE FEAR

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My blog is a safe place to think, feel, and be honest about loss and life, fear and freedom. I'm looking forward to sharing our struggles and sorrows with one another, as well as the victories God gives us on our new path to freedom. Fear often grips me,...

Where is Alan?

Choices, Connections, Faith, Hope
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Ever since my divine encounter with Alan at the beach several months ago, I’d wondered what had happened in his life since our conversation.
(The full story of Alan . . . Man at the Sea)

In June, my nephew Casey, great niece Piper and I enjoyed an overnight stay at the same beach where I’d met Alan. After waving goodbye as they headed home to South Carolina, I walked to my car. But I wasn’t thinking about driving home; I was focused on trying to find Alan.

As I wound through the back roads, I prayed, “You are God so you know exactly where Alan is today. Please lead me to him.”

God’s plan of precision began to unfold. My turns were only guesses as I passed by high-rise hotels and looked for a lower white building I remembered seeing behind Alan when we talked on the beach. Searching for the public steps he may have taken, I saw a nearby parking lot—but those slots were private. Spotting a service truck parked in a grassy area on a side road, I pulled in beside the vehicle and jumped out. Realizing my bumper stuck out slightly into the road, I got back in and pulled the car up a bit.

Satisfied, I reached for my book to give Alan, if I found him. I wandered toward the parking lot near the beach. As I crossed the street, I came face to face with a tall, thin women holding her dog and obviously headed for the beach, too. I hesitated, but she motioned for me to walk ahead of her.

As soon as I took a step forward, I heard, “What book are you reading?”

I stopped, turned around, and held up the book. “This happens to be something I wrote.”

She looked at the title and sub-title, gasped, and threw her arms around my neck.

Stunned, but wanting to acknowledge her obvious trauma, I said, “You have faced rejection, too.”

“All my life.”

I confided I had felt rejected during my growing up years. After we learned each other’s names, the story of Teresa’s sad life experiences tumbled out of her mouth. She mentioned being part of an Alcoholics Anonymous group. Could it be?

“Teresa, the reason I’m carrying this book, is I met a man named Alan on the beach several months ago. We talked about rejection and he wanted to read my book. If I find him I want to give him this copy. He said he’s part of an AA group here. Do you happen to know him?”

“Tall, skinny?”

“Yes!”

“He lives up the street and attends often. Our group meets tonight so he may be there.”

In disbelief, I handed her the book. “Would you give this to him?”

Not wanting our conversation to end, Teresa suggested we move to the shady area so her little dog, Maxie, wouldn’t have to stand on the hot concrete.

Like friends who’d known each other a long time, we lowered ourselves on to the inviting green grass and continued our story telling. We realized the differences in our experiences, yet the complete understanding we shared created a bond.

In spite of all the trauma she’d endured, Teresa had set her sights on a two-year degree in social work. She is working against enormous odds, but her unfailing belief and trust in God since the age of 31 will undoubtedly fortify her as she moves toward discovering God’s eternal plan. Her passion is to help others know they are not alone.

God merged three lives into one beautiful story. Teresa helped me find out where Alan was, and I listened to Teresa’s hurts and reinforced her hope in God for a better life.

“Teresa, we have to take some pictures.” We laughed and hugged, and made sure that one picture included her sweet, compliant dog Maxie. After all, he was the reason she was heading to the beach at that divine moment in time.

We exchanged cell phones and emails so we could keep in touch. As soon as I arrived home, I texted a handful of pictures.

Joy bubbled up inside me when I read Teresa’s response. “You blessed me today…God with skin.”

But my story doesn’t end there. In subsequent texts from Teresa, I learned that Alan was out of town for the summer. Finally he returned, and Teresa told me, “I gave Alan the book and he was pleasantly surprised.”

I can only imagine his expression when she handed him my book and related the story of how Teresa and I found each other. Another loving touch from God that I hope Alan will receive as proof of how much God loves him.