the beauty is in the Hope
Posted: June 17th, 2008 | Author: admin | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: africa, aids, compassion, ethiopia, hiv, HIV/AIDS, hope, Jesus Christ, love, love is the movement, the Good News, the Way, Uganda | 2 Comments »“Ask, and I will give the nations to you”
What am I asking for?
I stand among 25 people lifting their voices, their minds, and their hearts – in essence – their lives – to a Perfect Father. Over the last 10 months He has given us the nations, a tremendous blessing and opportunity, but also one that has had it share of struggles. We have witnessed the numerous heartbreaks of humanity; infanticide, famine, the deepest hunger, those on their deathbeds from HIV, the effects of war, the vicious cycles of poverty and disease that claim millions of precious lives each year, and the injustice of the apathetic. All of the traveling was not a joy-ride but one involving real and evident sadness. The situations and circumstances left us changes; scarred forever like a brand on our hearts and minds. So we continue to ask for the nations… along with all of their joys, but also their sorrow.
But, we are not left there because even in immense pain is beauty – we know of it as hope. In John 16 Jesus talks about sadness – that we will have it and that by following Him, we seek it out. When we follow Him into the life – into the nations – into love – We are following Him to the Cross. But as we pursue Him there He gives to us what can never be taken away; a peace that passes understanding and incomparable joy. That is why we are able to laugh hysterically at our living conditions, each other’s crazy experiences, and shake-face pictures (see below). It is also the reason that we are able to stand together wherever we are in the world and, with tears in our eyes and compassion in our hearts, cry out to God; telling Him in our feeble words how great and how good He really is.
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
He wins.
Blessings through Him… the most beautiful One
John Paul
Please don’t view this as an impression that the beautiful people, places, and moments are rare; they are definitely evident in every society and culture around the world. But pain and suffering are found everywhere as well and it is the reason that we are here, to proclaim Hope to those who may have lost it whether they be in Myanmar, Switzerland, or Denver, Colorado.
Shake-Face – just use the flash… compliments of Anna
Bro, I always love reading your words. They are very inspiring, challenging and filled with love. I like the “rap up” of photos, especially the shake face!! Bless ya bunk mate!
I’m sorry. All I have to say is I LOVE your new profile picture. Classic. Who wouldn’t want to support you.