When we’re surrounded by everyday beauty, sometimes it’s easy to become a little complacent thinking that it’s always going to be there–that it’s always going to be a given.
My heart aches for all of those touched recently by natural disasters, unforseen circumstances, and random acts of violence. I tend to dwell on these things, reflecting on how I, personally, can make a difference.
I might only be a force of one, and I may not have all I need at my disposal to do all I’d like, but I CAN do at least two things immediately: pray and ask others to pray. (James 5:13-16) And no, I’m not on my Pollyanna pedestal this morning, but I can attest to the power of prayer in my own life, as well as in the lives of others I’m close to.
Prayer aside (which is probably THE biggest thing in my opinion), I can use other talents God has blessed me with.
Writing may seem like such an intangible thing, but when you stop and think about it, look at the POWER of the written word. Newspaper headlines can stop us in our tracks. Media transcripts leave us aghast. National bestsellers create celebrities. Carefully crafted words determine presidents.
Good, bad, or indifferent, the written word has the power to shape futures, predict outcomes, and move us to action.
As a writer of faith-based romance, I prefer to leave the horror stories and tales of grim and gore to others. That’s not what I like to read, write, or what I’m good at. The message I try to portray in my work is one of encouragement and hope. In the midst of so much suffering, it’s important to me to be a beacon where, for some, shadows have fallen and the light has grown dim.
The divinely inspired, God-breathed words of the Bible cause me to reflect on a daily basis how I can make a difference. I might not be able to move mountains, but He can!
If you’re reading this today, and that sounds so simplistic, so out-of-touch, I’m not sure that I can really explain it. I think it has to do with faith. As a Christian, I know that I know that I know. And because of my faith, I want to drink in the excellence of all God has to offer, and then share the cup.
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What is your gift–your ministry? How do you “drink in excellence and share the cup?”
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Encouragement. Some face to face, but mostly it has been shared through the written word, whether it be a letter, journaling, an email, and now I have Facebook and my blog to share hope and Good News. Bible reading, meditation/prayer, reading devotions written by others, and Christian music fill my cup to overflowing. Connecting with others who encourage adds the sweetness and whipped cream. 🙂 I’m so glad I found your blog, you enrich my life on a daily basis.
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Patti, I’m humbled by your kind words. It’s so neat to connect with like-minded believers who “get it.” And I’m constantly reminded, too, to keep sharing even with those who don’t get it…yet.
And now, I’m going to cap off my morning by jumping over to your blog, as well! 🙂
My calling is smiles–I hand ’em out like bubble gum. It’s often not even intentional (which is how I know it’s a God thing), I just smile because, well, I have plenty to smile about! Other times I do it purposefully. There’s nothing like giving a stranger at the mall a 100 watt smile and seeing them light up instantly. Most folks can’t help it.
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I agree, Sarah! I love to smile, too, and it’s always neat to see the difference it makes in a person’s demeanor. And for you to have recognized that as your gift is indeed a ministry!
WRITING CONTEST……….My blog Amish Stories is having its first ever contest this week. The First prize winner will win 2 tickets to tour the farm where the 1985 move “Witness” staring Harrison Ford and Kelly Mcgillis was made in Strasburg,Pa . This farm is now Amish owned, and the family has given permission for folks to tour their farm. This may be the last time anyone will be able to walk and see the same things that Harrison Ford and the other actors saw during the making of “Witness”. The Witness tour should last about 2.5 hours. In addition to the Witness farm tour tickets, 1st prize winner will also receive 2 tickets for Jacobs choice. There will also be a 2nd place prize, which will be 2 tickets for the Amish Homestead. Please go to My blog http://www.AmishStorys.com for contest details, and more information on the prizes. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon county.
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Thanks for sharing your info., Richard, which I’m guessing is your ministry, as well!