Keep smiling, Keep shining

Mar and I both attempt to stay attentive and aware of current global events, specifically those surrounding trafficking, poverty and health.  Lately we have both been wishing that we could all focus a little more on the good things.

Sometimes it can become so overwhelming when it seems any sort of positive news is being constantly surpassed by more ‘bad’ news.  There is such a relief at the news of a conviction (of a trafficker) or a sense of encouragement when another state passes a (long overdue) anti-trafficking law.   But then you are reminded of the let-downs, the  “well when you take one out, two more will immediately fill her place,” the endless facts  and statistics which though often used to shock people and get them on your ‘side’ can also steal a person’s sense of optimism and hope.

We must hold onto hope. 

We must believe that change IS possible.

We must never give up.

We must stand our ground.

We must become as clever and astute as ‘they’ are.

We must learn their ways and adapt them as needed.

We must learn from their successes and not repeat their failures.

***We must CONTINUE to love our enemies, even while seeking justice for the hurting.

We must never forget that Paul was previously “Saul of Tarsus.”  His life is our evidence that ANY man (no matter how vile you consider him to be) can be transformed from notorious persecutor of believers to prominent leader and advocate for the poor.    

There is always hope for redemption.  Nothing and Nobody can stop His everlasting love from breaking through the darkness.  It does not matter what you or I see.  He can still find a remnant of beauty and a chance for redemption. 

His grace is not LIMITED. 

His love is not CONDITIONAL. 

His power cannot be CONFINED.

So if your grace is limited and your love conditional, ask Him for an extra helping.  We cannot claim to do things in His name and carry our personal baggage at the same time.  Our words, our hearts, and our actions must be in alignment with each other and with Him.   If we set out to ‘rescue’ the ones we define as ‘victims’ and forget to see everyone with His eyes of grace, we will eventually hurt more than just ourselves.    

I guess I am just trying to convey the power of love and of hope.   We have to smile, we have to stay strong, we must inspire and encourage one another.  This is a war, but we are on the side that will prevail.  We will never turn our backs, we will stand together.  We will seek freedom for all with the One who set us free. 

Share the GOOD news.

Spread the TRUTH.

Yes, numbers are great for shocking us all, picking us up out of the bubble of our little life and throwing us into ‘reality’ but it is love that inspires us to action. 

Without darkness, how would we know light?

Without pain, how would we seek or understand joy?

Without doubt or fear, how could we ever comprehend faith?

Without despair, how would we learn to crave hope?

“It is often in the darkest

skies that we see the

brightest stars.”

― Richard Evans