Trust Without Borders

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”

                            Lyrics from “Oceans” by Hillsong United

Powerful words aren’t they?

It takes trust—the kind without borders—to set caution, fear, and doubt aside and be willing to step out in faith no matter how unknown or difficult the path.

I want that for my life. 

Do you?

If you’re facing uncertain times, know that God has you—he won’t let you drown. 

“Oceans” is one of my all-time favorite songs. It does something in my spirit every time I hear or sing it. I’m sharing a video with lyrics so you can read along. I promise—you’ll not only be encouraged, you’ll be inspired.

Dawn

Hope Changes Everything

Almost everything we do in our lives stems from hope.

There wouldn’t be any point to starting a diet if we didn’t have hope it would work and we’d lose weight.

Would we make a trip to the mall to shop for a new outfit if we had no hope of finding something we’d like?

Without any hope of getting a certain job, would we spend time and energy sending in a resume and pursuing an interview?

However, it goes much deeper than those things, doesn’t it?

Those who have hope have a reason to get up in the morning. They believe during challenging times, painful circumstances will change. Their finances will turn around, the sick will feel better, and broken relationships will be healed.

When people have hope, they expect a rainbow to someday follow the storm.

But what happens when no matter how hard they try, things still don’t go right? When they’re hit with one horrible blow after another, and there just doesn’t seem to be a way out of their messy or hurtful situation?

They lose heart. They give up.

As a Christian, my hope is in the Lord, my Savior. I know that regardless of how life goes on earth, I have a place with him in heaven where I’ll spend eternity. Still, I have a responsibility and desire to instill hope in those around me, whether they’re believers or not.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

It may not take much to restore a desire in someone to keep going, to try again. But who’s going to light that spark?

Perhaps it means providing physical needs—funds, items for survival, shelter, or even opportunities that will help them move forward. 

Hope can even be ignited by something as simple as an encouraging note, an offered prayer, or a shared cup of coffee and a listening ear …

Will you be someone who kindles it in those around you?

Remember … hope changes everything.

Dawn

 

One of my favorite songs …

When a Sense of Family is Absent

Families are supposed to be there to celebrate with us during happy times and offer support when needed.  But what if you don’t have that kind of family?     

  

No family can maintain endless harmony. Hurt feelings or squabbles are bound to happen at some point. But some of my friends grew up in unhealthy environments where they experienced physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. For their survival, a few have laid down boundaries and limited their involvement. Others have chosen to cut all ties and avoid any communication.

That kind of severe action is painful. They may grieve and yearn for what could have been—should have been—but will never be.

If you’re in that kind of situation, what can you do? Or … if you have a loving family, but live so far away, you aren’t able to participate in their daily lives or get-togethers?

To feel a sense of family, realize that you don’t need to be connected by blood. 

While attending college, my roomies and I created a family of our own. We checked in on each other, cared about what was happening in each other’s lives, and sometimes we ate and played together. People involved in common causes, interests, or regular volunteer opportunities can sometimes connect in ways that begin to feel like family.

Remember … you’re a child of God. You will always have a heavenly Father ready to wrap his arms around you. He’s there to celebrate with you during times of success and joy, and he’s there to comfort during the tough times.

If you’re a Christian, you also have a family of brothers and sisters in the church who want to love and support you. But you have to be willing to seek them out and allow them access to your life.

On the flip side, those who have loving families can look for opportunities to welcome others and make them feel at home.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”  (Gal. 6:10 NIV).

None of us should feel alone … Embrace those who may need a “sense of family.” You’ll be amazed at the blessings you not only offer, but receive.

Dawn