By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Special to the NEWS
HeatherCathleenCox@gmail.com
Heather Cathleen Cox
Lately, I have had so many trials and travails, so many expectations–both self-inflicted and the other kind–that I almost forgot who I am. I had to remind myself that I am not the sum of my wants, my past, my hopes or my future. I am not my limitations. I am not my failures. I am not my successes.
I am the daughter of the God who created the universe and everything that is within it. I am coheirs with His Son, Jesus Christ, and destined for Heaven someday.
Until then, I’m left to figure things out on this earth. And this world, its sicknesses and disease, its hatefulness and sorrow, its death and transgressions, even its happiness and good times are not what I’m put on earth to do. I’m here to be the light of the world, the hands and feet of Jesus Himself. And the Bible tells me how this is possible.
Through a personal relationship with Jesus, I have the answer to the question: “How can I overcome the world?” John 16:31-33 says, “Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
How utterly and completely refreshing to the wandering soul, to know that Jesus has fought the battle and won, and by choosing to forsake the world, its bad and good, and focus on Jesus, the same can be true for you! See, when we take delight in the laws of the Lord, he gives us our hearts’ desires. It’s a promise.
Maybe today’s a great day for you, and it has found you amid a week or month of loveliness. If such is the case, I am thrilled for you. I have thankfully met my share of mountains, also. There’s nothing quite like the view from the top of the mountain, where everything is clear and in focus. But for the days where you feel like you’re doing your level-best to be the beacon of light you’re called to be, where you’re also taking care of all of your personal endeavors, and all you feel is attacked by so many external forces while still being pulled in many directions, the thought of having already overcome the “valley” is fuel to keep going. At least it is for me.
On the worst day you can imagine, the only way to truly find peace is by resting in the fact that this world will throw curve balls and will try to knock you down. But that’s okay. Because whoever accepts Jesus overcomes the world.
I don’t know about you, but music helps me refresh. Although I’m not the biggest southern gospel fan, it is dear to my heart. I was raised singing it and with parents who sang it and played it in our home. I guess you could say it’s embedded within me. There’s a gospel song originally recorded by Elvis Presley, called “Peace in the Valley” from which I drew inspiration to pen this article, also posted to my personal blog: www.TheJoysofBeingAnUnemployedCreativePerson.com.
I never do this, but for this one special occasion, I’d like to invite you to visit the aforementioned website, click on the “Blogs” tab, and lastly click “Peace in the Valley.” At the end of the blog, you’ll find the lyrics to the song, “Peace in the Valley,” as well as a tranquil, instrumental video with lovely scenes. I didn’t write the song, record the music, or make the video and am not being paid to endorse anyone who did. But because the beautiful song and its message inspired this edition of “Heather Hopes,” I’d like to share it with y’all… in hopes that it may bring sweet peace to a brother or sister who is currently dealing with one of life’s ugly, dark, cold, lonely valleys—the way it did for me.
Until next time, be blessed. Be a blessing. Love, Heather.
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Recent Comments