Hoping HOPE is on the way.
It’s November 2020 and I’m hoping that hope is on the way. Waking each morning to the reality of the bleak and depressing headlines of this world and the challenging headlines of my own life is daunting and overwhelming, scary and unsure. Often, before lifting my head off the pillow, a prayer runs through my mind. “God, show us all how to cope today. Help me be able to cope with what might unfold.” It’s all too much. My desperate heart formulates the most intimate of conversations with God. These days my frailty seems to be tattooed on my soul. I don’t go for long without being reminded of my need. Frailty, or increased vulnerability, compromises the ability to deal with daily life. With a perspective shift maybe we can move from coping to hoping! God, please help us all.
As I go to work at our coffee shop, my husband and I are invited each day into conversations around the coffee bar with some regulars, as well as many new faces. The talk sounds reminiscent of what we’ve heard for most of 2020. Voices ring out with hurt, sadness, despair and fear. I pray, “God, what do we need?” Then the word HOPE echoes through my emotionally fragmented and confused mind. I need hope as does everyone around me. Years ago I heard one of the best definitions of hope during times of doubt: hope is believing that tomorrow can be different than today.
Regardless of the quick sand on which we are attempting to walk, the next couple of months will bring the celebration of hope. Rooftops and windows soon will glow with light, and these lights of Christmas will remind us that hope is on the way! But my heart sinks as I realize that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be different this year, because, you know, 2020.
While the gatherings and events of this holiday season will not look like Christmases past, the most important reason for our celebration cannot be changed. Nothing can separate us from the love of God and His Son Jesus, the Savior. No pandemic, no hurricane, no forest fire, no election result, no economic decline, no uprising or conflict can separate us from the love God has for us. This is hope and this is truth.
Something tells me that this year God’s love for us will feel more powerful than ever before. Because many of the things that bring security and happiness have been taken from us, we must reach deeper, look harder and open our minds in a new way to find hope. We must look to the places where our hope cannot be taken away.
Reach up and out with me. Clear your vision, lean in and long for Him. Search for new ways to see God’s love and the hope that He offers this holiday season. In the most unusual ways, He just might meet you in that place of frailty. It might be in a song or a Christmas card message. It might appear in an unexpected flake of snow or a conversation with a friend or family member. You just never know when you might unexpectedly experience His love for you! When you ask for His love and hope to surround you because you desperately need it, remember that He is a Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Although it may seem doubtful at the moment, just wait, you will receive the most wonderful, most priceless gifts from a Father who adores you.
Take a moment each day of December to find rest for your soul
We at Beacon People are thrilled to announce that our founder and leader, Anna Nash, has released an e-book specifically for the Christmas season called Christmas Matters - How the Birth of Jesus Makes a Difference Everyday. This special project is the fruit of a partnership with her childhood best friend, Katy Shelton. You are going to be blessed by walking through this 25-day devotional book. Pre-order your ebook on Amazon or visit our website for a PDF version available 11/27.
Here’s a quick update about Beacon People during these uncertain times.
We are still here. However, due to all of the restraints on gathering, we have not been able to do outreach person to person as we've done in the past. Covid-19 has undoubtedly brought about unexpected challenges for us as we are sure it has for you all as well. The future of our ministry is bright as many people, whose lives have shifted due to the events of 2020, need to find purpose and direction more than ever. Our beacon still shines!
Check out this remote opportunity for YOU!
A conversation series from Beacon People exploring purpose and mission around the globe.
Tuesday, December 1 @ 7:30 pm CST
Join us for a wonderful opportunity as we share a virtual conversation and cup of coffee with Nicole Barnes a beacon in Sydney, Australia. You won’t want to miss this inspiring message of purpose and passion. You can find us chatting on Beacon People Facebook LIVE or Beacon People Instagram LIVE! Need a boost of energy and purpose? Look no further!
