Thursday, August 21, 2014

Traveling to a place where there is HOPE

My brother's garden in Zion 2009*

Unto the upright there arises 
light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion.
Psalm 112.4

There is so much turmoil happening in the world that 
I my day-to-day problems seem trivial.  
Just when things start settling down a bit, 
there's another news flash
(this week, in the state of Missouri), 
the continuing conflict between Gaza and Israel, 
Russia and Ukraine,
ISIS terrorist genocides and the 
be-heading of an American journalist,
and the suicide of comedian/actor Robin Williams.
Flying over island off Belize 2010*
Its hard for me to sit at my computer to
write, re-write, and edit my next novel,
Lady on the Run
when the world is crumbling around us.
Does anyone else feel this way?
So I haven't written much lately,
but I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying.
Mostly praying.

I know there are many people out there in Blogland
who are hurting.
Your situation seems hopeless,
like Robin Williams.
You may be fighting depression.
Or worse.

But wait!
There is help. 
You just have to reach out and ask for it.

To start somewhere, in the privacy of your home,
I ask you to PLEASE 
go to our church website, www.newspring.cc
go to bottom of page to Sermons, click on the Overwhelmed message #2
"Spanx, Sickness and Suicide"
It may save you.
(Pastor Perry Noble shares his personal journey
with depression and suicidal thoughts;
yes, pastors are human too).
Our former hometown, Huntington Beach, CA*
Why am I sharing this?
To promote my church?
No.
I want to reach out a hand to let you know that someone cares.
I care.
Jesus cares.

Crying out for help--
--from others and from God-- 
may be the strongest moment of our lives.

Hope comes with help from God and others.
Costa Rica 2014*
If you're not be experiencing 
anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts,
you may know someone who is.
Reach out in love, not condemnation.
You may be the one who changes their direction.

*i thought a few of my nature photos would make you sigh, smile, and feel that there is HOPE.




3 comments:

Sharon Leaf said...

I'd love to hear from you out there in Blogland, so drop me a line some time...anytime!

Jennifer Richardson said...

So grateful for the hope
we have and hold
(for the Hope who has and
holds us)
and pray daily that we express
Him with every breath.
Love and hugs to you, friend,
Jennifer

Sharon Leaf said...

Jennifer, you express Him with your art, your words, and your heart. 🍂

On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!