So the day started out just as gloomy as I would have predicted if it rained...
It didn't, but my emotions had gotten the better of me. I couldn't focus well enough to teach effectively, talk in a coherent manner, and walk with purpose. I was going through the motions. I felt the same I had many months ago when I first arrived at my apartment in Gwangju: alone and unaware of my surroundings. God quickly helped me lift my spirits up with every step I took, every thought I made, and every breath I took.
I don't have a clear understanding of why I'm so hopeful and happy in this moment, but I am.
Before when I wasn't looking for God.. it was hard to find him. Now that I am searching for more of him even when I don't think I am, I find plenty of evidence that He exists in my life.
When I'm more of a cynic than a lover, I find it hard to relate to anything or anyone. When I let go of that bitterness I find I relate easily to others... it's more than just coincidence.
2011 April 24 PostSecret #??:
"I'm afraid that my husband's actions may someday lead me to do things that will keep me out of heaven.
Romans 12:21"
My mother, while I only understood the surface value, pushed me to find ways to read the Bible and remember passages.. if not passages, at least little excepts here and there.
Romans 12:21 was the one she picked for me. Why? Because it ended in my birthday (December 21st). It'd be easier for me to remember. I thought it was a smart idea 'cause I always have trouble remembering passages and how to cite them. Romans 12:21. 12:21 12:21.. Romans. Romans. Romans. Romans 12:21. I can remember that.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." -- Romans 12:21
I feel that this can be apply to pretty much anything in life.
All our childhood shows are focused on this.
There is Captain Planet and those who seek to hurt Earth.
Batman and the evil villains who wreak havoc on Gotham.
Superman versus Lex Luthor's crazy plans to rule the world.
Listening to your parents or being known as a bad, rebellious kid.
Someone hit you? Give that person a lollipop. If you can't do that, just don't hit back.
Don't stoop to evil's level. Overcome it with good. Sometimes the concept is so ingrained we've become used to it. It becomes a simple plot line whose important lesson fades into the background.
And then there was an e-mail response to the above Postsecret:
"Romans 8:37-39" <3 It helped re-spark my poor faith to levels of blazing heat.
Romans 8:37-39 reads:
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I don't claim to have any insights on time travelling, but this passage really helps me to know that God is/was/always will be there for me. In moments when I want to go back in time to a "happier" moment or fast forward to what I think will bring me "happiness.. I just realize that He is forever watching and sharing His love with me. No person, thing, place, event... will ever change that. There's no reason to NOT be joyful.
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