MIDWEEK MESSAGE – February 7, 2024

Sometimes, we can get caught up in self-pity and despair when we are going through troublesome times.  Yet, looking at how some people have endured things much more challenging than our issues reminds us to be grateful for what we have rather than what we do not. It reminds us not to let our difficulties define who we are.

Life presents us with challenges – some harder than others – but we need to remember that when we give in to negativity such as resentments, anger, self-pity, and fear, we cannot win;, the person or thing that has caused our negativity wins because what we lose is so much more than anything in the material world, what we lose is our soul.

There is so much hatred and separation today; we can change that by not holding on to negative things. We can face our enemies by not allowing them to rob us of any peace, love, and joy we may have.

I recently watched the movie “42” about Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League baseball.  Jackie Robinson is remembered for his outstanding baseball talents, and grace under much hatred and bigotry.  One time, a player from another team purposefully stabbed him in the leg with a spike from his shoes, and another time, a pitcher purposely hit him with a ball.

We are not remembered for how much we have or how famous we are but for how we show up in life, despite conditions or situations we may face.   Are we coming from love and forgiveness –  or hatred and vindictiveness?  It is an inside job, one we must continually work on, knowing it is not about perfection but the progress that matters most in our spiritual journey in this lifetime.

Quote of the Week

“I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.”

Booker T. Washington