“Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace, that
where there is hatred, I may bring love;
where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
where there is error, I may bring truth;
where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
where there is despair, I may bring hope;
were there are shadows, I may bring light;
where there is sadness, I may bring joy.” —Francis of Assisi
There are times when I go through a difficult spot in my life and I can see the areas where I am growing as a result of successfully navigating the challenge. However, the tough time I just went through wasn’t one of those times.
The quote above resonates with me. I want to be someone who brings out love, forgiveness, harmony, truth, faith, hope, light, and joy in other people. So although this challenging time I’ve gone through hasn’t been pleasant for me, it has been such a joy to see others “step up,” mature, stretch, and grow as they have been alongside me.
One more quote—”It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one of these destinations.” —C.S. Lewis
To which destination are you helping those around you? What characteristics are you bringing out in those alongside you?
April 7, 2009 at 8:14 am
Just had to borrow that Clive Lewis quote.
We love you and Betsy.
B.
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April 7, 2009 at 8:58 am
I love u and Betsy also and am going to try and understand those of us that are so crul and unkind . U have given me my faith in God back and I know all will be done well in Gods’ time.
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April 7, 2009 at 9:32 am
Craig and Betsy,
I don’t know what to say (or I’m afraid to say what I think). I am so sorry, yet proud of you guys and what you stand for. We continue to lift you up in prayer.
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April 7, 2009 at 10:04 am
Craig and Betsy
You two know what you mean to me but I will tell you again anyhow.I love what you have done for me, my family, and the ones that created the difficult spot that you are in. They may never figure it out but, know this, you did nothing that God would throw at you like they did. You are an amazing couple and I will never have a leader touch me as much as you did. I will forever stand in awe at the way that you talked to me specifically as you talked to the rest of the congregation at the same time,WOW, simply unbelievable.
God is working in your life even now but I understand how it would be hard to see how this is supposed to help you grow. In most men this would lock us into a cage and make the key inexcessible. In you I don’t see that, you are much to strong for that. You will be in my heart forever and I will always be in your dept for the leadership that you have given me. I thank you for the love that you have shared with me . God Bless you and your wonderful family. Your friend forever
Barney
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April 8, 2009 at 10:48 am
Craig and Betsy,
I wanted to let you know that your family and sheep are in my prayers. You have not shared with me what the struggle is that you are going through but I know that God is in control. Craig, you will grow stronger and will be blessed because of it. I want you to know that I see your family as a family of integrity and as for my family you will always be held in high esteem. Craig, always know the Van Beek’s will stand at the cross for you anytime .
In Christs Love
Mary
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August 7, 2020 at 10:09 pm
Good thoughts.
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