When I was in middle school, I used to love going over to my friend’s house to spend the night. He had a big family with tons of brothers, and I was an only child, so I enjoyed the commotion of his house. Being that it was a large family, many times we got away with doing things we probably shouldn’t have been doing.
On this one Friday night, we made the decision that we were gonna stay up really late until everyone went to sleep and watch a scary movie. I remember being in his living room and starting this movie around midnight. Well, around 30 minutes into the movie, I look over and my friend is completely asleep on the couch.
I am now alone watching this movie. And I was terrified and I don’t think I slept the rest of the night.
Once I got home, I told my dad what had happened and while he was upset, at first, he mostly thought it was funny and I even convinced him to watch the movie with me. But this time I was prepared. I was wearing a sweatshirt with the hood all the way up. And I made a point to pick a chair with its back on the wall, but something funny happened when I watched the movie.
This time, I wasn’t nearly as scared. Watching the movie with my dad had totally removed my fear. Watching it with him made me feel safe and looking back, this was a really special moment. Doesn’t it feel like fear has a way of coming for each one of us? Maybe it’s fear about losing your job or not making enough money.
One of the hardest truths in life is that if you’re in a period of peace, appreciate it. ‘cause hard times are on their way. Not exactly the fortune you want. In your fortune cookie, but true. But when you are in those times and you’re afraid of the outcome, God has a message for you. In the book of Isaiah, he says this, fear not for I am with you.
Don’t be afraid for I’m your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
When your father is there, you don’t have to be scared ‘cause you know you will always be taken care of.
You’ve been listening to Everyday Miracles by Hope, mindfulness, and Prayer.
In the year 1818, a 26-year-old Catholic priest by the name of Joseph Moore was preparing for the Christmas Eve service at his church in the Austrian Alps. And while cleaning up the church in preparation, he found out that his organ had broken. This was not good. I mean, here’s this young guy that is probably new to this church.
If you’ve ever gone through art history class, you’re probably familiar with a painting called The Light of the World. It was painted by the British artist Holman Hunt, and hangs in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It’s one of the most iconic religious paintings in history. The painting depicts Jesus standing outside of a small, dilapidated cottage.
I was recently listening to the U2 album, all that you Can’t Leave Behind, and I came across a song called Grace. The lyrics say this, grace takes the blame, covers the shame, removes the stain, but once was hurt, but once was friction. What left a mark? No longer stings because grace makes beauty out of ugly things.
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