Most of my writings speak to my personal experiences and those of the many people who come to be for advice. I have worked as a law enforcement professional, educator, missionary, youth minister and with the homeless. Today I am working with disaster recovery initiatives helping those who have endured great losses because of natural disasters such as hurricane Irma, Harvey, and Maria. Given the human suffering I have witnessed throughout all of my work life, I can tell you that it is not easy to rejoice.
As a man of faith, I often struggle with the sorrow and misery so many men, women, and children experience each day. It is difficult to rejoice and celebrate the many blessings I have received when I see the pain of so many. I am reminded of the scripture in Philippians, Chapter 4:
4Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
God's peace surpasses all understanding; it is a critical component of living through the challenges I witness each day. As I pray for so many who are without, I find God's peace and comfort in the knowledge that he continues to move so many people to provide a helping hand. More than 30 million donated to Salvation Army and 429 million to the Red Cross for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey just to provide an example of the giving hearts of so many people throughout this great country. Millions invested in our country because of the many churches, non-for-profits, and government funds provided to help the most helpless. It is up to each of us to give of what we have if we are to impact the joy and peace of those who are enduring hardship. Find an organization or a church you have confidence and give. Give to those who are hungry, to those who have no homes, to those who have been displaced by the hurricanes that we have experienced, and to anyone you know who is living a joyless life. Your gift, regardless of the amount, will not only bless the recipients, but will bless you and return to you in ways that you cannot possibly imagine. It has for me! Just a little advice to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment