Some time ago, I started this blog in hopes that it would fuel me as I journeyed through an incredibly difficult season. I realized I had it backward. I did not need the blog to get through it, but rather I needed to get through it for the blog and to fuel my journey ahead. I’ve come a long way. This year I have been on a mission to “love them anyway” and be a light for Christ, demonstrating His love through action, voice or simply a smile. I look back on the past 20 months and realize that a simple understanding saved me. I thought about Mary.
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30
I can only imagine the mix of emotions that must have been running through young Mary’s mind. In the midst of her fear, anxiety, wonder, and every other emotion, God sent an angel who called her by name to reassure her! I challenged myself to repeat this sentence every time I was experiencing fear, anxiety, loneliness, or uncertainty: “Do not be afraid Pamela; for you have found favor with God.” I encouraged myself daily: He knows your name. He loves you. He’s got you. And then I learned the secret. It was so much easier to NOT focus on my circumstances. I took my eyes off of myself.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. : Hebrews 6:10
Have you ever considered how one small light overcomes a dark room? To overcome my mountains, I became a beacon of light for Jesus. I chose to shine for Him in any way I could. Even when I did not feel like it, even when others around me were not receptive, I still chose to take my eyes off of me. When Jesus was going through the darkest hours, He never once said, “But what about ME.” I needed to shine for Him so that I could live one more day. As I began doing this, the smiles on their faces became contagious. It did not take much to change a person’s day, and in that selfless act of spreading joy to them, the joy spilled over on me. I was walking out of the darkness in the midst of serving others without even realizing it. His light was shining.
I thoughtfully considered this. That is what this season is about. Serving. Smiling. Laughing hard. Forgiving. Loving unconditionally. Living LIFE. And now I challenge you. Be the LIGHT. It is IN you. And they need it. Be blessed friend.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
I AM. BELOVED 