A reader recently wrote a note to an editor after my column appeared in their Sunday morning paper. “I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your weekly faith articles since we don’t get much good news anymore.”
After the editor passed it on, I responded to the gentleman’s email with a big thank you and how he made my day. I thought about his words for quite a while and realized how his kindness was passed through several people before it landed in front of my eyes.
Passing kindness is always good news.
From acts of tenderness to love and charity, we heal and grow by the arm of faith. The headlines will change if we apply that good news to each event around us. It takes a deep commitment to put our belief in God into all aspects of our lives, and it isn’t easy. It’s not supposed to be.
I have shared this analogy before, but it is worth repeating.
Braving the Downpour
When she emerged from the store, it was raining so hard she could hardly locate her car in the parking lot. Her umbrella provided little protection as she emptied her store cart and tossed the bags into her SUV.
What was she to do with the buggy? She paused momentarily and ran with the cart in tow to return it to the front of the store.
She was completely soaked when she returned to her car.
A man appeared and opened her car door for her. Shocked, she gazed at the perfectly dry gentleman. Before she could speak, he declared, “Daughter, you chose not to let another endure the storm’s wrath, so you braved the downpour and returned the cart. I see all things and am aware of all deeds.”
How many times have we left a cart in the parking lot for someone else to deal with? Is that using our faith? Do we need to realize that God does view all our actions and hears all our words.?
Provide good news by caring enough for others to get soaked by the rain.
Wisdom
While my brother and grandfather were in the living room in a robust exchange over politics, I was in the kitchen with Grandpa, my grandmother.
“Listen to those two!” She declared as she shook her head and rolled her eyes.
“I hear them, but why do you not express your ideas about government or politicians? Who do you side with, Grandpa?” I questioned.
“My views on such things are simple. Folks can become all educated in policy and get fiery over who and what they believe is best for America. Shoot, they only need to read the Bible to learn most all things and then apply it to government leaders. When we take God out of everything, we lose all. They ain’t no winnin’ if God ain’t in it!” She finished with a snicker.
I don’t recall a word that was said in the living room among two scholarly guys, but I distinctly remember the words of my elementary-educated grandmother.
Godly wisdom is good news.
Creating good news
Remember Saul? He was one nasty dude who could create havoc like no one else. Oh, he was religious, alright, and believed totally in his ways and rules. That is until God got a hold of him and shined a light on Saul by casting him into darkness.
Yet, in that blackness, Saul found the light. St. Paul was reborn not of the flesh but of the soul, and thus, changed the world. We can change the world also if we become bearers of light instead of darkness.
It begins with each of us creating good news for others and pleasing our heavenly Father. If our deeds do not represent compassion, grace, forgiveness, understanding, love, and faith, we will never be great nor worthy of someone holding a door open for us to escape a storm.
Forgiveness and the ability to change is good news!
Our faith is not only about our religion. It is about our love and understanding of God. We can go to a worship service every time the doors open, but it is a waste of time if we don’t use what we learn there daily. Remember, God watches not how we sit in the pews but how we walk among the crowds.
So, forgive me if I sound preachy; I am nothing but a sinner. Most of the mistakes I make are because I didn’t return the cart in the rain, so to speak. I didn’t put the love of God or others before myself.
If all sinners join hands and use our faith to guide us to follow His words, we can escape the storms.
And that’s the good news!