Dear Friends:
I’m hearing today, “Never give up.” We all have opportunity to quit. Sometimes it’s just those little things and sometimes it feels huge. It feels like, “I am not sure I will ever get over this.” But I am hearing the Lord speak to our hearts. He’s saying loud and clear: “It’s not over!” There is another ending to the story. You are part of the story. So, what you do right now… right at this moment really matters.
This year I have had to hold tightly to one scripture: “Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it, flow the issues (or springs) of life.” The enemy of my soul did his best to hurt my heart. I hate to admit he did slither in there with his darkness. But with each new sunrise I am realizing more and more that inside each one of us are beautiful rivers. They are rivers of life. They are meant to touch, bless, comfort, and heal. As we continue to call out to the Lord asking for His help- His Divine presence, assistance, direction, and courage, we are changed.
What am I learning? I am learning that I won’t make it without honesty, humility, forgiveness, and repentance. I am learning that I won’t make it without a willingness to embrace change – in whatever form it may take, even when I don’t understand. I am learning that to remain lovely amid pain and brokenness is the call. I am learning that I can’t live alone. I am learning how much I need you and you need me (with all my imperfections).
So today, I want to remind you who you are. You are not what “they” told you, you would be. You are valuable. You have destiny. You have a future. You are seen. And you are enough.
So, please don’t quit. If you need to get down low, go low, and then lower still, so you can stand back up once again (or maybe stand up for the first time). Find out who you are. Find out what you really believe, what you really care about, and then go after that with all your heart. Find your people. Find the ones who are ready to walk down this road with you and aren’t afraid to challenge you. Find the ones who will take your hand.
It won’t be easy. In fact, I can promise you it will be hard. But it will be worth it. There really isn’t any other way to go. I can’t wait to see who you really are.
You are loved by,
Pastor Maureen Stanek
Scriptures for your Heart:
Proverbs 4:23
John 7:37-39
Hebrews 12:1-2
Matthew 18:21-22
Psalm 139
Matthew 10:39-31
I Corinthians 12: 12-27