Encouragement For Today

This morning I had something on my mind when I woke up and I wanted to blog about it. All of my life I've been an encourager of others. I honestly feel like it is one of my gifts that God blessed me with. I've always been able to help others when they were sad, lonely, or just needed a shoulder to cry on. At times I've given good advice, although I've not always followed it myself. I have picked others up when they've come to me and cried or been upset. And I've always been grateful for the ability to do so.

This morning when I opened social media, not just Facebook, but Twitter as well, I saw so much heartache, fighting, negativity, and sadness that it almost overwhelmed me to the point of deleting all of my channels. I was sick in my stomach at the posts and comments I saw. The hatred and the cruelty are horrific. But then I thought, why should I delete mine just to keep from seeing theirs?

NO!! NO!!

That is not the way to combat negativity or hate. The only way to drive out darkness is with light. For example, when I walk into my dark bedroom at night to get ready for bed, I don't get aggravated because it's dark and turn around and leave the room, saying "well, it's dark in there, I guess I'll leave".

On the contrary, I turn on the light!!

So this morning when I saw the darkness all around me on social media, instead of turning it off, I wanted to use my gift from God and shine a light. I want to combat the darkness with the light! Jesus is the light of the world.

It's a burning desire in my heart to bring together the hurting and lost with God. My desire is to show others the way to Jesus, His salvation, His comfort and His rest.

There was a young man who killed himself a couple of days ago that has left me at a loss for words. I didn't know this boy, but to see his pictures and hear his mother speak of the tragedy has affected me deeply. There are SO many hurting people in our world who need to know there's help. They need to know that God and His word is the only thing that can help them overcome the sorrow they wake up with each morning.

I don't have a platform that is far reaching as far as television or some ministry of that sort, but I do have my website and my blogs. I have the ability to speak to people one on one as well, and hear their stories and offer a solution in our Savior. I thank God for that platform.

So today, I want to continue to be the positive encourager that God made me. I want to be the ray of sunshine He made to be for others. It's a gift to be cherished. I know there's so many who read this blog and although I don't know you all personally, I do know of one woman in particular that I want to speak to and you know who you are when you read this. God has been pursuing you for a very long time. He's been with you every step of your way in life. You've been through many hurts and walked through some dark places, but He was there with you the whole time, even though you weren't there with Him. He has called you and He wants to be what you need in your life. Allow Him to love you and walk with you each day. Allow HIm to comfort you and heal those hurts that only He sees. There are many deep wounds and you carry so much sadness. It's time to give it to God and let Him carry the burdens that you are trying to bear. I love you and I pray for you daily. I know God called you long ago, just like He did me. And like you, I ran for many years, unsure of what to do or where to go. I looked in some pretty bad places for the love that only He can give. I tried to fill the void in my heart with love from others, when it could only be filled with His true love. Stop running. He will meet you right where you are. You don't have to be someone else for God to love you. You can be who you are, He already knows you, just let Him come in.

If anyone needs encouragement today or any other day, feel free to message me or email me. I will do what God has blessed me to do and I will offer good words to you. He tells us all throughout His word to build up one another, bear one another's burdens, stir up one another to love and good works.

That's a wonderful thing to do!!

I want to do what He has called me to do. I want to be obedient to the One who loved me when I didn't love myself. I want to be a vessel that He can use to direct the lost and hurting to Him.

I'll include the helpful verses below. Take time today to read them for yourself and be encouraged in the Lord. He is our only hope in a dark, negative world.

Much love,

Christy

Helpful verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 4:8; Ephesians 4:29; Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:17; 12:24; 25:11; 10:11; 11:25; Philippians 4:8