We're Gonna Make It!

Today, my students were reading a story about a man who found himself in a fishing boat that was sinking.  The termites had quickly begun eating the wood of the boat, compromising the hull.  Instead of immediately trying to find a solution to the problem at hand, he began to panic.  In fact, his first remark was, “We’re not going to make it.”  Eventually, he made an attempt to fix the gaping hole in the hull of the boat, and they made it safely to the shore.  By overcoming his fears, he managed to emerge victorious.

While this is simply a children’s story, I feel that it applies to our everyday lives as well.  So often we find ourselves in difficult situations, uncertain of what we should do.  We become frustrated and our ability to think clearly fades significantly.  Many times, our first inclination is to give up.  That is the easy way out.  Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  With Christ on our side, we don’t have to admit defeat.  Instead, we can confidently declare, “We’re gonna make it!”

How many times this week have you said, “I can’t?”  If you’re like me, I’m sure these two infamous words have graced your lips at least once.  As humans, we are imperfect.  We struggle and sometimes we fail.  But even when we face difficult times, we can rest assured that everything will be alright.  Romans 8:28 tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  Bear in mind that this does not mean that everything will be good.  Instead, it means that everything we do will work together for our good.  God will never leave us hanging.  If we trust Him, He will ensure that our lives fit perfectly into His perfect will and His plan for our lives.

What struggles are you going through at this very moment in your life?  Are you trying desperately to lose weight?  Is it becoming more and more difficult to pay your bills each month?  Do you worry daily about someone in your family who is going through a physical or emotional battle?  I want to encourage you right now wherever you are.  God has not forgotten you.  He knows exactly what mountain you may be facing or what river you may be crossing.  Look around.  He is standing right next to you.  He will never let you fall.  He will help you remove all doubt.  Hold on to His hand and never, ever let go.

This world is ever-changing.  The news is full of sad, heart-wrenching stories of people around the world who are hurting, starving, or ailing.  There are those who are scared or depressed.  And some of them simply want to throw in the towel.   But even through the wars, famines, and destruction, we have a Hope that reaches beyond the most hopeless situations.  God’s hand is upon you and me.  He will be our Shelter from the storm.  He will catch us when we fall.  He will keep our ship afloat.  And no matter what comes our way, we can boldly proclaim, “We’re gonna make it!”

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Escape the Worry

On February 10^th, I had the privilege of hearing my friends Karen Peck and New River minister at Taylor Church in Sanderson, Florida.  While the lyrics of the songs were a blessing and the music seeped deep within the innermost parts of my soul, there was one thing that stood out like a skyscraper in the midst of a sea of single story homes.  During the altar service, Karen spoke specifically of people who may feel bogged down with the worries and the cares of life.  She said that the service may be providing an escape from all of that worry.  As I stood there, I realized that this was likely true for the majority of people in the room.  And I knew that it was especially meant for me.  All week, I had been carrying a ton of bricks on my shoulders and just as I thought I would crack under the pressure, God reminded me once more that He always knows what I need.  And sometimes, I just need an escape.

February 7^th, just three days before, should have been the day that my dad and I celebrated a very special occasion.  I should have been busily wrapping gifts, writing a special card, and decorating a beautiful birthday cake for my sweet Mama.  She would have been 57 years old.  Now, nearly five years ago since she passed away, I wonder why God chose to take her at the young age of 52.  She died of a heart attack while we were watching The Waltons in our camper.  We were on vacation, our camper parked directly across from a waterfall, surrounded by the beauty and splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains.  One minute, life seemed like a dream.  And the next, reality gave way to a nightmare.

There were no goodbyes.  I cannot recall what I said to her last or what she said to me.  We pleaded for her not to leave us, and later stood by as the paramedic mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”  While the disturbing nightmares have subsided, I still vividly recall the moment my dad and I sat beside my mom that night and tearfully sang, “Living by Faith.”  In the deepest, darkest moment of our lives, when no hope seemed to be found, we clung on to the words of this beloved hymn:

Living by faith in Jesus above,
Trusting, confiding in His great love;
From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.

Sitting in our camper that night, I must be honest and say that having faith was nearly impossible.  The emergency lights flashing outside may have disappeared, but they had taken my Mama with them.  And she would not be riding home with us on the journey back to Florida.  The following week was a traumatizing blur of preparations for the funeral.  I had always looked forward to the day that my mom would help me select a wedding dress, but instead, I was selecting a dress for her that I would never see her wear again.

I miss my Mama more than anyone or anything I have ever lost.  I have three siblings, three grandparents, four great-grandparents, one parent, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends in Heaven.  But losing my Mama was the most devastating experience of my entire life.  My mom, dad, and I were truly like the Three Musketeers.  We were always together, enjoying life together.   Now my dad and I continue to enjoy life together, whether we are at home or abroad.  I am forever grateful for the close father-daughter bond that my dad and I share.  Together, we continue living by faith, with the knowledge that God has a perfect plan for our lives.  While we may not always understand the twists and turns we encounter on this journey called life, we can rest assured that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). 

While some days like my mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day are especially difficult, there are numerous days that are free from worry and free from the stress of this world.  Whether it is a word spoken or song sung at church, a smile or hug from a beloved friend, or a stress-free vacation with my dad, I find that God provides sweet escapes precisely when and where I need them.  I can tell you from experience that these are the moments in life that our faith is completely restored.  These are the times when we have a fullness of joy and hope abounds.  By putting our trust in Jesus Christ, we will find that the awesome days we experience in life will ultimately spill over into the not-so-easy days, providing a perpetual light in the darkness, hope when we’re hopeless, and an escape when we feel there is no way out.

As I write this blog, my heart hurts as I relive the sorrow of that tragic night in North Carolina.  Tears threaten to well up in my eyes and blur my vision as I type.  Yet I am speaking from my heart with the hope that I can encourage someone who is looking for an escape from the worry.  I want you to know that there is a way out.  I Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) says, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”  No matter what you are facing, whether it is the death of a loved one or any other burden that you carry, God is faithful.  He will never give you more than you can bear.  Do not give up.  Even in the midst of the darkest night of your life, I can personally tell you that there is hope, even when life seems hopeless.  There is sunshine awaiting you.  Because at that very moment when it seems there is no way out, God will provide an escape.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Waiting Room

When was the last time you sat in a waiting room in the doctor’s office?  I want you to visualize the setting.  Perhaps the room was crowded, full of people you were sure carried multiple types of diseases.  The children sneezed and coughed profusely, never once covering their mouths.  You picked up a magazine to try to occupy your mind, only to find that it was the same magazine you already read cover-to-cover three months ago.  Sitting there, you wonder why you even made an appointment.  You still have to wait along with everyone else.  You’re probably getting sicker by the minute, being subjected to this germ-infested environment.  Just when you were about to throw in the towel and give up, the nurse opens the door and calls your name.

Life is a lot like a doctor’s waiting room.  Each day, there are difficulties we must face.  These struggles will often weigh us down, infecting us just like the germs that may be found in a doctor’s office.  The constant battles we have to fight cause us to grow impatient, much like someone who is waiting for an appointment that is overdue.  Just like the patients sitting in those uncomfortable straight-backed vinyl covered chairs, our names will soon be called.  Unlike the nurse who calls our names from a clipboard in her hand, our names will one day be read directly from the Lamb’s Book of Life.

I want to encourage you, if you are not certain that your name is written in this Heavenly Book, make today the day that you begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Today could be the day that you are called from this temporary home to your permanent home on high.  Have you made your appointment?  If not, it’s not too late.  You have no guarantee that you will breathe another breath.  No man, woman, or child, young or old, has the certainty that tomorrow will even come.  Don’t wait until it’s too late.  Make your appointment for Heaven today.  Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and ask Him to be the Lord of your life.  If you do, your life will never be the same.  And you will know that when your name is called, you will walk through Heaven’s gates to live eternally with the Lord.

This morning, I attended the memorial service for a young teenager whose name was called this past weekend.  There was little warning for her and her family.  She lost her life due to injuries sustained in a accident.  As I sat there, I continuously began to ask myself, “Why?”  Why did this young girl not have the opportunity to graduate high school, go to college, or get married?  Why was she taken from this earth at the young age of fourteen?  Why didn’t God spare her life?  Of course, I know I am not alone.  I’m sure that everyone in the sanctuary had similar questions on their mind.  While sorrow filled my heart, hearing the stories of her vibrant, yet short-lived life, I also felt peace in my heart.  You see, she knew Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.  She made her appointment in Heaven long ago.  And I know that her name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and I will see her again one day.

While we may not be able to comprehend why things like this happen, we can rest assured that God has everything under control.  He knows our hearts are sad.  He feels our pain.  He sees our tears.  Yet, He knows how our story ends.  Romans 8:28 (NIV) says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Notice this scripture does not say that all things are good.  Instead, it says that God will work everything together for our good.  Does this mean that we will never encounter a trial?  Does the scripture mean that we will never have a bad day?  No.  What it does mean is that God will take each trial and every single bad day and in His own special way, use them for our good.

You may be thinking, how could the death of a young girl be used for good?  I cannot answer this question.  Only God knows what the future will bring.  He knows our future and He knows our past.  And He is walking beside us right now, in the present, holding our hands as we stumble along the road of life.  Through every illness, tragedy, and even death, He will be our strength when we are weary, our peace when we are distressed, and our hope when we are hopeless.  Even in every moment of heartache, God has given us a promise that we can stake our lives on.  He has promised us that this earth, with all of its turmoil, is only temporary.  We are just passing through on our way to our eternal home, Heaven.  We won’t have to wait in this dreary waiting room much longer.  2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (The Message) says:

For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we'll never have to relocate our "tents" again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.

If you want to experience the joy of knowing that this life is only temporary, don’t wait until tomorrow.  Don’t sit there in frustration, uncertain of where you will go when you die.  Don’t leave your family and friends wondering if they will see you again.  Don’t sit there miserable because you feel like you are a prisoner to this world of sorrow; instead, cling to the One who will restore your joy, set you free, and light the way home.  Jesus Christ will be a friend who is closer than a brother.  He will love you when you feel unlovable.  He will pick you up when you fall.  And best of all, if you have a personal relationship with Him, He will welcome you with open arms when your life on earth is done.  Don’t sit there, trying to remember if you made an appointment, growing agitated with the long wait.  Make your reservations and set your sights on Heaven until the day you make it home!

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

The Journey to Cloud Nine

Have you ever said, “I’m on cloud nine?”  If you have, it is likely that something wonderful happened in your life at the exact moment you uttered these words.  Perhaps you heard the words, “You’re hired!” or “It’s a Girl (or Boy)!” or “Will you marry me?”  And you likely remember the date, time, and location where this special event in your life took place.  But, what about all of the days, months, and years leading up to this exhilarating moment?  Undoubtedly, you experienced some highs and lows, and maybe even some disappointments along the way.  Still, you eventually arrived at the moment where you reached the destination on your journey – cloud nine.

When I think about the journeys we take in life, I have come to realize that there are many similarities between our day-to-day experiences and those of many reality television show contestants.  Their journey through various challenges is not unlike our journey through life, with its many highs and lows.  At times, contestants may make a mistake or encounter an unexpected detour.  Along their journey, they make good decisions and bad ones.  Yet, one team always prevails and finishes the journey victorious, having made it to their “cloud nine” experience – being proclaimed the winner of the competition.

Our lives bear a striking resemblance to these programs, in that our lives are also a journey.  While we are not striving to win $1,000,000 or the title of sole Survivor, there are many daily challenges that we must face.  For instance, in the business world, everyone wants to get ahead.  Instead of clues, they attend “power lunches” to try to get to the next rung on their way to the top of the ladder of success.  And a mistake may not cost them their lead position in a competition, but it may cost them a promotion, their job, or even their reputation.  But in the end, there will be those who make good decisions and find their way to the “cloud nine” they are searching for, such as a promotion or increase in salary.

Personally, I find that the journey to cloud nine can be quite difficult.  Now, I am not talking about the end of a race, or even recognition in the workplace.  I am talking about this journey we call life.  And no, we’re not truly searching for cloud nine.  But, we are on a journey to eternity.  This journey is very difficult at times.  While we may have joyous times to celebrate, there may be other times when sorrow fills our hearts.  We may hear the words “You’re Fired” or “You’ve had a miscarriage” or “We’re getting a divorce” instead of the words above.  During these times, God will bring you peace.  He will remind you of the cloud nine that you seek.  And He will help you move toward your goal, filling your heart with joy once more.

There are times when it would be easier to just quit.  Or it may be tempting to follow a different path.  God’s Word says, “Enter by the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matthew 7:13 ESV).  It might seem easier to travel down the wide road, at least for a little while.  Inevitably, though, you will find that this road leads to great disappointment.  The decision to travel down this road leads to a dead end – Hell.  If you’re on this road, I want to strongly encourage you to turn around.  It’s not too late.  Put your trust in Jesus Christ.  Ask Him for directions to cloud nine.  Follow His steps and don’t look back.  You will be on a journey like no other, never seen on television.  God can do more than you ever imagined, and I can assure you, His dreams for your life are truly incomprehensible!

Every day, I continually strive to put one foot in front of the other on my journey to cloud nine.  In my life, I have experienced many ups and downs.  Some have been minor, such as the disappointment of a missed visit with a friend, and some have been major, such as the saddening loss of my mom.  Still, I know that God will be with me in every circumstance.  He will give me strength when I am weary, joy when I am sad, and hope when I feel hopeless.  The road I am traveling on may be straight and narrow, but God is leading the charge.  Won’t you join me on this direct route to the ultimate “cloud nine” – Heaven?  The journey to cloud nine may be challenging, but just wait until you see the view from the top!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Patience Really is a Virtue

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Have you ever had a frustrating experience? Or was there ever a time that your patience was tested? Surely, all of us have been frustrated or lacking patience at some point in our lives. It is during these times that we need to call on the name of Jesus to calm our spirits and bestow upon us the divine patience that only He can give.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Women of Faith conference in Tampa, Florida. Little did I know that my first experience as a Women of Faith Group Leader would not only uplift and inspire, but it would also bring me closer to His throne, strengthen my faith, and increase my patience.

The alarm clock sounded. I woke up on time. Yet I drove out of the driveway fifteen minutes late at 5:45 a.m. Still, I had allowed adequate time to get to my destination, so I was not too concerned. The only thing that concerned me was the fact that my phone picked this particular morning to malfunction. Making this three and a half hour journey without a properly working cell phone had me a little on the edge, to say the least. Quickly, I composed myself and began to pray…for my phone. Shortly after, my phone began to run like a Swiss watch. I’m so grateful that God even cares about the little things. It wasn’t until the last few miles of my journey did I realize just how God’s hand had covered much more than my phone.

The last four and a half miles of Interstate travel took more than 45 minutes to navigate, due to a three-car pile-up. While I am certainly not an expert on vehicular accidents, it appeared that the accident had likely taken place approximately fifteen minutes prior. Fifteen minutes. The amount of time I was delayed. Immediately, I began to pray for those involved in the accident, that their lives would be spared and that God would place His hand upon them. And I quietly thanked Him, too, that I was spared from this accident.

Part of the WOF team praising God

Upon my arrival in downtown Tampa, I had difficulty finding my way through the maze of construction and detours. Yet I ended up in a parking garage, parked right next to a dear friend I had not seen since last year’s Women of Faith event. The entire weekend was a waterfall of unexpected blessings like this one. From a seat right next to the Porch Pals the entire weekend to spending time with dear friends, everything was better than I could have ever imagined. And some moments were so special that an experienced screenwriter could not have penned them so beautifully. There were so many highlights, including my visits with Sheila Walsh, Mary Graham, and so many other special people who have grown so very dear to my heart, along with the sweet spirit that was present throughout the arena. These moments made a wonderful weekend even more precious.



Sheila Walsh and I



Of course, the weekend would not have been as meaningful without the encouragement and inspiration presented by the Women of Faith team. One pivotal moment was when my question was answered by Sheila Walsh and Dr. Henry Cloud during the Q&A session on Friday afternoon. It was as if God was speaking through them, for the Holy Spirit knew exactly what I needed to hear. Natalie Grant’s rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul” brought to mind 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV): “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” This scripture exemplifies the way that all of the Women of Faith speakers and artists dedicate their lives to sending off the sweet spirit of the Lord to thousands of women every year.

Every moment of the weekend was incredible. And the entire time, I wondered, how would the weekend have been if I had not left fifteen minutes late? What would it have been like if I had gotten angry instead of getting through to the throne of grace? All weekend, I told others of my journey to Women of Faith this year. And the entire time, I felt as if I was walking on cloud nine. My smile was wider, my steps were lighter, and I am sure I was beaming with joy because I was filled to overflowing with the goodness of the Lord. Little did I know, amidst the fullness of joy in my heart, that God was still preparing another test of my patience.

On Friday night, I walked out of the arena when the event was over, expecting to find the shuttle waiting to transport me to my nearby hotel. Yet, countless buses, vans, cars, shuttles, and taxi cabs drove by, picking up ladies from all walks of life. All except for the shuttle I was waiting for. Fifteen minutes went by. The hotel said they were on their way. Fifteen more minutes passed. The shuttle driver relayed a message via telephone that the roads were blocked. The police said the roads were clear. Twelve ladies remained. The other 7,000+ had found a way to their accommodations for the evening. A taxi cab came by and took four ladies to our hotel for two dollars each. Inexpensive? Yes. Did I go? No. Something tugged at my heart, urging me to wait. Just wait. After waiting for over an hour, the shuttle finally came. Apparently, the shuttle driver was having a difficult night. We had been asked to stop by the front desk when we arrived at the hotel. The manager apologized. Our patience was rewarded with $100 being deducted from our bill. God amazed me once more by turning this aggravation into a blessing in disguise.

Sometimes, God wants us to wait patiently to avoid a harmful circumstance. Other times, He wants us to wait patiently for a blessing that He has in store. Psalm 37:7 (NIV) says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” God’s word does not call us to fidget and become frustrated while we are waiting. Instead, it says that we should “be still” and “wait patiently.” So, the next time you’re in line and someone in front of you seems to be using their debit card for the first time, wait patiently. God may use you to minister to them or someone around you. Or if your flight is delayed, remember that God may know something you do not. Even a small delay could be the difference between life and death. Our Heavenly Father truly knows best.

When I think back to all of the times God has protected me from harm, and I consider the times when I didn’t even know harm existed, I fall in love with Him all over again. He loves us unconditionally. There is never a time in your life that God is not thinking about you. He wants you to listen to His still, small voice. Sure, you may have to wait. Every day, I am reminded that patience really is a virtue. At times, it may be a struggle to demonstrate patience, especially after waiting for days, months, or years. But God’s word says that like Abraham, we, too, will receive what is promised if we wait patiently on Him (Hebrews 6:15). Be still. Wait patiently. And see God move.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

Keep On Keeping On

Do you ever encounter a difficult situation and wish you could simply run away?  Or do you face it head on, trying not think about what is going on around you?  Sadly, there are moments in time when we cannot run away from rough weeks, trying days, and emotionally draining hours.  In these times of sadness and despair, we must not lose hope.  We must keep the faith.  No matter what, we need to keep on keeping on.

Yesterday, I attended the viewing for a dear friend and colleague, Corporal Gary Edwards.  Today, I attended his funeral.  For me personally, these are events that I would prefer to avoid.  The floral arrangements, the song selections, the eulogies…all are reminders of where my Dad and I were standing less than three years ago.  The photographs, the memories, the tears…all of them bring sadness instead of joy.  The casket, the hearse, the graveside…all of these remind me of how life is so very fragile.

As I walked toward the chapel yesterday evening, I encountered several friends and colleagues.  We shed a few tears, embraced, and shared words of encouragement.  While I was dealing with sorrow of my own, I felt in my heart that God was giving me the words to speak, even when I did not know what to say.  I told a couple of them what a blessing it was to have God’s strength in times like these.  Then, I told them that we just have to keep on keeping on.  They agreed, and one of them asked me to keep reminding them of this fact.  I told them I would.

In life, we are going to encounter some situations that seem impossible.  We will run into some valleys that seem too wide to cross, mountains that seem too high to climb, and rivers that seem too treacherous to brave.  Even when we face difficult circumstances, we need to keep the faith.  We do not have to do it on our own.  God will walk beside us, hold our hand, and even carry us.

Of course, when we are in the midst of the darkness, there are times when we are blinded to the point that we do not even realize that God is there with us.  I know I have had some moments this week when I felt like I had taken one step forward and was now taking two steps back.  I miss my Mom every single day of the year.  My heart remains broken.  Losing a colleague and friend this week breaks my heart a little more.  Just when a scab was beginning to heal over the brokenness I feel inside, something like this occurs and rips off the scab once more.  Still, I have hope.  I know God has not forsaken me.  He loves me more than I could ever imagine.  He has a dream for my life, and I will follow Him wherever He leads.

Even when we are down and out, God is working for our good.  Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  Sometimes, it is hard to see the good that will come from the situation you find yourself in.  Even so, you must hold on a little longer.  Don’t run away and hide.  And don’t push your emotions aside and act as if nothing happened.  Trust that God will provide the strength you need to make it through this difficult time in your life.  There is joy around the bend.  Life may change, but God will never change.  Put your hope in Jesus Christ.  Keep the faith, and keep on keeping on.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Have Faith

As I was visiting with a friend this afternoon, I happened to pay special attention to the perpetual calendar on their desk.  Today’s message read, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).  When was the last time you had complete faith that something you wanted would come to pass?  Can you honestly say that you always put your faith in God, no matter what trials come against you?  Or does Satan often wriggle his way in, causing you to question whether or not God truly has everything under control?  No matter what you may encounter on your journey, have faith.  God will see you through.
 

In August 2005, one of the deadliest hurricanes recorded in U.S. history struck the coast of Louisiana.  Hurricane Katrina was responsible for the loss of more than 1,800 lives.  I can recall sitting in front of the television, barely able to believe what had happened.  With every levee that gave way, my heart sunk a little deeper into my chest.  The homes destroyed, the lives lost, and an entire city changed forever.  While I prayed fervently for the people residing in the path of destruction, I wondered, how can they have hope?  When they are wading through waist deep water full of sewage, how could they possibly even think God exists?  As they pull a loved one out of the water, only to find they were a moment too late, how can they put their faith in God?  Still, I prayed that God would walk beside them, helping them from one moment to the next.

As I switched the channel from CNN to The 700 Club, I was introduced to a precious woman of God whom I will always remember.  Her name is Gerta.  She lives in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.  She was being interviewed because she had experienced a deadly hurricane many years back.  Even though the location where she lived was being evacuated, she was unwilling to leave.  Instead, she stood inside her kitchen, surrounding by glass windows, praying.  She had complete assurance that God would see her through the storm.  While many homes around her were completely demolished, her home remained unscathed.  Although I cannot recall her last name, nor would I recognize her face if she walked in the door of my home, the words she spoke are forever etched in my memory bank.  She said, “If you’re anchored in Jesus, you’ll be safe.”  At that very moment, I knew she had said something wise beyond my years.
 
A few days later, I wrote a song titled, “Have Faith.”  The lyrics of the song talk about a woman who is sitting next to a loved one who has gone on to be with the Lord.  Then, it talks about little children who are crying out in fear.  In life, there are situations we cannot avoid.  There are problems we cannot solve on our own.  There are moments when we may want to simply throw in the towel.  I want to encourage you by telling you that there is never a time in your life when you should just give up.  When you feel like giving up, give your burdens to Jesus.  He is waiting with open arms, waiting to help you when life gets to hard to handle.  He will walk with you through the flood.  He will be your Shelter from the storm.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Have faith.  God will see you through.
 
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

May Day

When I was growing up, the first day in the month of May was always one of the highlights of spring.  My Mom always helped me pick wildflowers or make May baskets to give to friends and family, in honor of May Day, as it is observed in the United States.  And of course, I always made sure to give my Mom something extra special.  It was a glorious day, brightened even more by the colorful beauty of the flowers and other goodies stowed inside each and every basket.  As I have grown older, I can no longer find time to make May baskets to place on people’s doorsteps.  While this special day will always bring to mind fond memories from my childhood, the phrase May Day truly has a double meaning for me personally.

When I think of the phrase May Day, I do not solely think of the times when my Mom and I enjoyed such happy times together.  I also think of the times in my life when I was venturing through a dark storm.  There have been times when I felt I would drown in a sea of sorrow, due to the torrential rain pouring down upon me.  You could liken my distress to the captain of a ship who has suffered a breach to the hull of their ship, striving to remain focused on getting the lifeboats launched and other emergency operations under way.  Other times, I felt like a pilot who is flying in the darkest of night, with zero visibility, unable to control the plane due to the wind, rain, and hail falling down from the heavens above.  Certainly, in a dire circumstance such as this, the pilot would immediately call out, without hesitation, “Mayday!  Mayday!  Mayday!”

While the distress signal “Mayday” is primarily used by mariners and aviators, the term would be quite appropriate for any sort of emergency.  The term Mayday comes from the French venez m'aider, meaning “come help me” (Dictionary.com).  Even though we do not have a radio on which to call for help, there is never a time that we cannot call on the name of Jesus Christ to help us.  God’s Word says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear” (Hebrews 13:6 ESV).  If you find yourself drowning in despair, call out to Him.  If you are struggling to find a reason to get out of bed in the morning, ask Him to give you strength and purpose.  If you feel like you are in a sinking ship, or if you feel that you are flying in a plane that is about to collide into the mountains ahead of you, call out to Jesus, saying, “Mayday!  Mayday!  Mayday!”  Jesus Christ will answer your request, and come to help you.

Personally, I feel a little like calling out, “Mayday,” myself right now.  One week from today, I will be delivering the special music on Mother’s Day.  Not only that, but I am singing one of my Mom’s favorite songs that I have written.  My heart strings are being pulled in every direction.  My mind is worried.  Will I be able to sing on key?  Will I cry in front of everyone?  Will I forget the words, due to my distress?  I have been calling on the name of Jesus to help me.  When I am talking to our Heavenly Father, it seems like a hand rests upon my shoulder.  I feel a sudden calm.  It’s as if Jesus is saying to me, “I heard your distress call, my child.  I’m here to help you.  I know it will be difficult for you, but you can do it.  I know you can.  And I will be standing right beside you, holding your hand, guiding you all along the way.”

Jesus Christ does not desire for any of His children to experience fear, hopelessness, or despair.  He does not want us to feel as though we are being drawn into a dark tunnel from which we will never escape.  He wants us to see the light.  Not just the light at the end of the tunnel, but the Light.  Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV).  Jesus is the Light of the entire world.  He can take away the darkness that surrounds you.  He can make the sun shine again.  With Jesus on your side, the shipwrecks and plane crashes of life will seem less treacherous.  The hurdles you are required to jump over will seem less strenuous.  And when you feel the walls are closing in around you, He will be there to help you.  Call on the precious name of Jesus.  He will take your miserable Mayday nightmare and turn it into a beautiful May Day dream.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer