Hope Victorious

I once challenged myself for a week to say every nice thing that came into my head.   No matter if it was silly or superficial, to a close friend or to a stranger.   Even if it made for an awkward moment, where everyone stood staring…   I decided I would say aloud every single compliment, kind remark, or word of approval that I thought. It was surprisingly difficult.   It did result in awkward moments!   I had no idea how many good things I thought, but kept to myself, until I had promised myself to give voice to them.   It was difficult at first, but quickly became easier. I have found that since that original challenge, I am much more prone to speaking the kindness in my heart and mind than I ever was before.   It is a habit I now consciously  work on. Why is it that we often hesitate to say the kind word?   Have you ever regretted saying something kind, complimentary or affirming?   By contrast, how often have you spoken in a hasty way, out of anger or hurt?   Have you regretted

Because sometimes the best person to give you a prep-talk is yourself ! "Yes, I’m fearful and lacking great confidence.   I am wavering in my resolve.   Doubts and uncertainties scream their threats, painting pictures of doom.   I feel small.   There is tension too, because it is something I have decided.   I said I would do this thing.   I will do it afraid!   Certainly, there is a long list of times I have acted, in the face of fear and done the thing I was sure that I could not do.   When have I demanded absolute perfection of myself?   I am learning, growing, becoming!   It is a process and I am well on my way.   It is not always pretty; never is it flawless.   But on the other side, as I have looked back, I’ve always been pleased that I chose to press on.   I remind myself of the hard things I’ve done, impossible even, and then found myself grateful on the other side.   No, I do not turn and run away!   My fears can come along; I always have more questions than answers!

      “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are      Believe what you read      Teach what you believe      Practice what you teach” In 2005, I witnessed a ceremony to ordain Deacons in the Catholic Church.   Part of the liturgy was especially powerful to me and I have remembered it and treasured it all these years. It is a vow I have embraced as my own. Receive - A thing may be offered or available to many, but that doesn’t mean that it is received. When a person receives something, they embrace it with purpose, with faith. A sense of ownership and purpose is evidence that one has truly received something. A herald is an official messenger who brings good news. A secondary definition is that a herald is a person or thing viewed as a sign that something significant is about to happen. Each of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and savior are commissioned as His witness. We herald the hope and power of Jesus to bring life and transformation. As a pastor, an autho