Powerful Examples

I witnessed two powerful examples over Thanksgiving weekend.

The first one was of someone who indeed acts and is not acted upon. This amazing lady faces weekly ridicule. Her children are not accepted, valued, or treated well by someone who should be helping and upholding her. Her parenting is scrutinized and challenged. Yet, this godly woman does not let the other person's misjudgments and mistreatments into her heart. If I hadn't witnessed (and known prior) of the hurtful situation, I would have never been able to tell she was even aware of it. This lady has a heart at peace. She turns to God for approval, not man. She treats her persecutor with dignity and respect. She doesn't seek her out but when she is required to be in her presence, she is calm, dignified, and fully in control of herself. She allows no one to determine how she will behave. She will not be beaten or discouraged. She has God behind her and that is enough. That is strength; that is power.

The other powerful example I witnessed was of someone I hadn't seen since childhood. She's probably four years younger than I am but her mother always insisted that she be included with us older girls. But she didn't seem to want to be apart of us. I think we may have been too silly and immature for her even though she was so much younger. In any event, she never had any fun with us. She was mostly sulky and grumpy around us. But when I saw her as an adult, she amazed me. She was so friendly and put together. She was sweet, genuine, personable, fun, and confident. I thought, "Wow! Who would have thought that such a shy, quiet girl (at least around me) would turn out like that!!?"

These examples touched me powerfully because I realized that when God is in our lives, we turn out. Our children turn out. Others may scoff at us or them, but if they so choose, they can sit back--rather than stand up and help--and be amazed with what God can and will do. It is true that we all have things about us that are not beautiful--character flaws and weaknesses--but as we turn to God humbly, we will be molded into something beautiful and wonderful. I believe that with my whole heart and soul!!! I believe my children and all godly children (we're all children) are going to make it with God's help! I believe with His help my children are going somewhere great. I believe that because they are diligently trying. They are seeking after the Lord. The Lord has promised that all who do so will find Him! They will find He will make up the difference and will turn weaknesses into strengths.

I am just so excited to know He truly is in control. Without any doubt, I know He will magnify all true followers. Our children are in good hands! The future is bright with Him as our Master!!!