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Be a Hero

Diane Houghtaling - Columnist
Posted 6/11/20

In the midst of all the darkness we've seen in this nation and around the world this year - the hundreds of thousands of deaths from coronavirus, the senseless murders of innocent people, the …

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Be a Hero

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In the midst of all the darkness we've seen in this nation and around the world this year - the hundreds of thousands of deaths from coronavirus, the senseless murders of innocent people, the violence and riots overtaking our cities - there is a light of hope shining brightly in the darkness.

If we just continue to look at the darkness, we will be overcome with sorrow and give in to hopelessness and despair. But if we shift our focus to see how the God of love, the God of all hope, the God of comfort is shining His light in the darkness, we will begin to see how He can turn what the enemy meant for evil and destruction into something to be used for good.

During the past few months of this pandemic, God has raised up many heroes from ordinary men, women and children. Front-line workers and essential workers who previously were overlooked or taken for granted have gone above and beyond the call of duty, some to the point of death, to continue to care for the suffering and dying.

Ordinary people are rising to the occasion to find innovative ways to reach out in love and support of others. A spirit of love, caring and kindness is arising. Teachers have become heroes as they find ways to reach out to their students to offer help. When my grandson was taken to school recently to get his belongings, teachers and staff lined the driveway to welcome the students, blowing horns and bubbles, waving and shouting greetings. What a blessing they were to those parents and kids!

Now in the weeks following the horrific murder of George Floyd, a new darkness has settled over our land. But it's not new - it's been here since the beginning of this nation. Our ancestors took what they wanted from Native Americans, destroying their lives and culture. Much of our nation was built on the backs of African American slaves. Racism and prejudice have been a heavy burden for minority races to bear.

We can focus on the riots, looting, fires and destruction that some are involved in to exploit the peaceful protests of those who are sick and tired and angry. Or we can shift our focus to see God's love and understanding and unity arising from the ashes. Much needed change is in the air. People are no longer willing to stand by and let these atrocities continue.

Now we see more heroes arising - ordinary men and women coming alongside one another to stand together, talk, understand their pain. We see law enforcement kneeling with protesters, talking and supporting one another. We see people who previously had no experience with racism willing to learn about the history that has caused so many to feel and be treated inferior all their lives. We see people of every race willing to embrace one another and cry out for a new world where love and unity reign.

We may not all be demonstrating, but we can all be those heroes who demonstrate the love of God in our efforts to minister to the hurting around us. We can reach out to encourage, support, strengthen and be there with a listening ear for one another. Let your love shine brightly in these dark times and overcome evil with good, for God is still in control.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.

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