Mothers of Compassion




From Homeless to Business Owner
By Barbara Comito
Union Gospel Mission
Eddie Collins was the subject of my first newsletter feature when I started working at the Union Gospel Mission in January 2008. His story ran here in the Good News Northwest in March of that year. Eddie had arrived at the Men’s Shelter a year earlier and was nearing the end of the recovery program.
That interview with Eddie six years ago reminded me of my own interview a few weeks earlier when I was applying to be the writer for UGM: I told Executive Director Phil Altmeyer I might not know much about homelessness, but I knew how to tell a story and I believed everyone had a story to tell. Eddie illustrated my point perfectly.
Eddie Collins is a musician, a painter, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a role model, and an enthusiastic lover of the Lord. He used to be a meth addict. He used to be homeless. But by the time I interviewed him, he had shed that identity.
"One of the big one–eighties I did in my program was to get rid of the old me and classifying myself as a junkie – not because I was still doing it but because I did it so I thought that was who I would always be." Eddie said that identity change came during a class on the book, Search for Significance by Robert McGee. "I did not walk out of that class a junkie."
When I met Eddie, he and his wife, Kim, were divorced but in the process of reconciliation. Later that year, after Eddie graduated from the recovery program, they got remarried. Eddie went to work for UGM as part of the maintenance team, and when the Center for Women & Children opened in Coeur d’Alene, Eddie was hired as the facility coordinator.
While it was never part of his job description, Eddie became something of a poster boy for the Mission. In addition to the newsletter, Eddie and his family were featured at the annual banquet. He’s been on billboards, TV, radio and the featured subject of fundraising letters. On two separate occasions, he and Kim came to my church, Knox Presbyterian, to lead worship and share their testimonies.
Eddie has a huge heart of gratitude and has given sacrificially to the ministry that helped him leave the old Eddie behind and begin anew.
He and Kim, financially stable for the first time in their married lives, bought a house. And now, they’re starting a business, Step Up Painting. Eddie is leaving the Mission and launching into a whole new venture.
"When I finished the program, I vowed I would never be a painter again." The painting business was tied to the old Eddie and held a lot of triggers. "There’s so much baggage that comes with the paint crew. They’re not well respected. They don’t take drug tests because if they did, there wouldn’t be a crew, you know, that type of thing. Alcoholics and drug addicts seem to gravitate toward the paint crew because they’re accepted there, and I just didn’t want to jeopardize my recovery by going back into that."
As part of the maintenance team, however, Eddie had the opportunity to start painting again, and he embraced it. "I learned that I had a gift. There’s a talent there. I actually had something that a lot of people don’t, and I learned that I could do this in a way that would bless others.
"I don’t want to be part of the paint trade problem; I want to be part of the paint trade rescue. I want to give guys a place to work where they know they can have a good, clean Christian environment. I see me opening this paint company as a ministry."
Another way Eddie sees God moving in this paint business is in giving him an opportunity to work with his youngest son, Sky. Sky is a musician, but like most musicians, the making money thing is a struggle. "I don’t plan on Sky being a painter for the rest of his life, but…he wants to come up underneath me and learn the paint trade and work with me."
Eddie said he sees this as an opportunity to model a strong work ethic, something he didn’t do when Sky was younger. "He didn’t get to witness Dad get up and go to work every day. He didn’t get to witness Dad come home beat tired every day. There was no example of what life is really like for most men.
"My hope and prayer is that he just gets to work side by side with me and see how his dad works, how his dad deals with the public, how his dad doesn’t cuss, and how his dad gets up no matter what the day is like. If it’s raining and you’re gonna get wet, you’re gonna get wet. That’s what you signed up for. And so, I just want him to see those things and learn those things."
God is in the business of redeeming broken things. For Eddie, God is redeeming the paint trade, and God is redeeming the time he missed with his son.
"The thing I was afraid of is the very thing I feel God calling me to do."

Eddie is a licensed painting contractor in the state of Idaho. Contact him for interior and exterior jobs, drywall, texture and fine finishes: 208–641–9791 or eddie@Step–UpPainting.com or find him on Facebook.

THE TOILET PAPER CAPER By
"Toilet paper?" I questioned the Lord. "You want me to buy toilet paper?" One morning while sitting in my over–stuffed chair enjoying time with Jesus, I got a strong sense to go to the discount store nearby and purchase toilet paper. That seemed to be an unusual request, but I quickly reasoned I could add to my dwindling supply, so I went.
As I walked into the store, I spotted a display of huge packages of toilet paper. ON SALE, the sign read, ONLY $12.99. Only $12.99," I moaned, that’s a lot of money and all I need is a four pack. Certain that I had heard the Lord tell me this place was where to buy it, I took a stroll down every isle looking for a smaller package, but it was not to be found. This is silly, I declared. I’m not going to get such a large quantity of tissue—I don’t need it! Leaving that establishment, I headed down the street to a nearby grocery outlet determined to acquire something that suited me better. Finding a more practical and cheaper package, I walked to the front, certain I had made the right choice. However, the closer I got to the check–out line, the less confident I became. "I know this is not what God said to me," I silently admitted, I know He said buy toilet paper at that discount store. My stride slowed and hesitantly, I looked down at my bundle. Well, the package does say Angel Soft. The Lord likes Angels doesn’t He? I quipped as I got in line. Due to a problem in the checkout line, the cashier motioned me to go to the next counter. OK, Lord!" I sheepishly spoke under my breath. "I know this incident didn’t happen by accident." It was now my chance to obey what I heard the Lord say. I took the smaller package back to its place on the shelf and returned to the discount store buying the bigger quantity of toilet paper. Befuddled, I continued to try and lean on my own understanding and asked the cashier, "Is this really a good deal?"
The next day, while waiting for the church service to begin, I told my toilet paper caper to a friend sitting next to me. "Oh, Linda," Victoria said, "I know exactly why God had you buy that large amount. Do you realize that the homeless and poor struggle to get T.P? They can’t use food stamps to buy it." She went on to tell me that a ministry in a near–by town was giving away free toilet paper and there was a long line of people waiting to get some. "Oh, Lord," I admitted, "of course You had me buy it!"
The following week at Higher Power Church was the Sunday night monthly REHOP – Burning Spokane event. A free barbequed hot dog meal, a clothing giveaway, and raffle to receive special gifts is provided for homeless and poor in downtown Spokane. Along with music is an open mic for anyone to sing or tell their story. The love of Jesus is proclaimed as well as freely given to everyone and anyone who comes. That is where my excessive amount of toilet paper belonged. I put all the rolls in a plastic bag and set it near the clothing table where it was quickly taken with people asking for more. In my comfortable well–provided–for life, it never occurred to me to bring T.P. to a barbeque. I’ve brought celery, carrots and grapes. I’ve purchased hats, gloves and scarves, but I never thought about bringing toilet paper. Come to think of it, only in the last several months, have I thought seriously about caring for the needs of the poor and destitute in Spokane. God is on the move in this city. Many people believe for great things to happen here. I recently read in the Bible: "For the Lord shall build up Zion. He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute." (Psalm 102:16 NKJ) Could it be that while we are all crying out for a mighty move of God here, He is also hearing the cry of the homeless, addicted, and disenfranchised of our city? Could our city be built up as we tenderly care for those the world would pass by? Got any extra food, clothing, or... maybe toilet paper?
Confession: A Sin Problem
It is said the Heavens rejoice when each soul is saved. And in each who is saved the Spirit of God resides helping us each to see the world in a different light; to walk by Faith and discern the Word of God; to hear His voice and know His touch. I have this feeling when the Spirit moved into the temple called Tim Lamb all the heavens whispered "Wow, talk about your fixer–upper!"
It is said in Atheism we find our moral footing in the empathy we feel for those who suffer. I find lately, in the honest realization of what work God has yet to do in me, that I empathize as much with the god–less, evil, person who inflicts the suffering on others. That is, I understand the mind of evil because I battle it every day.
It has taken me years to figure out the story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as told in the Disney movie adaptation of Hugo’s novel. It is the story of one man’s battle with depravity. The anger toward the Gypsies that Frollo displays is really the result of the repression of his lust and jealousy; his carnal desire for the Gypsy Esmeralda. In his evil motivation to have Esmeralda for his own Frollo persecutes the Gypsies incessantly. His heart is revealed however in a scene where Frollo is alone contemplating His torment. What surprised me is that Disney got one thing unexpectedly correct when Frollo blames the Devil for the torment he feels but he’s wrong when he excuses himself with this statement "It’s not my fault if in God’s plan He made the Devil so much stronger than a man."
I’m glad the folks at Disney recognize that God is Creator; however, Frollo’s sin is his own fault just as our sin is our fault. Regardless of how strong the Devil is God is stronger. God does not call on us to be good on our own He calls us to be good with Him, in His strength. Satan has no power to tempt us beyond our own desires. As in the Garden of Eden, Satan can trick us and set up the opportunity but we chose to eat the forbidden fruit.
Salvation is evident, not in that we stop sinning but in that we despise our own sin and what tempts us. It is not for us to conquer Satan but for us to be on God’s side in the battle. Faith is not understanding God and the cosmic battle of good and evil. Faith simply takes sides because God is Good and the Devil is bad and there is no compromise and no neutral ground.
Realizing what sin is and taking responsibility for our sin is what the giving of the law/commandments of God is about and it is an essential, early step toward our salvation. We cannot confess or repent of what we cannot see.
Matthew 7:22,23 "Many will say to Me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ’I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
This is perhaps one of the saddest verses in all scripture. Can you imagine thinking your whole life you were saved because you did God’s work and finding out as you stand before the throne that you had practiced "lawlessness", and the Savior "never knew you"? It is precisely those who think their works cover their sin that don’t know Christ Jesus, and He doesn’t know them. Sin needs to be confessed.
1 John 1:8,9 " If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Deceivers in this life are often God’s judgment on a wicked people who don’t want to think about sin and never deal with it. But others need to be told of God’s law and the need for repentance. This is love, this is why Jesus died; Jesus "knows" those who confess and repent. The problem with sin is not too much Devil, it’s not enough Jesus.
Our Windows To Others
by Sharon Stuart–Reidenbach
Spring is like a bugler that announces an imminent battle. But instead of a burgle call to charge, spring calls for mops, buckets, window cleaner and polish: we know it as Spring Cleaning.
After the winter it’s easy to find establishments with dingy, smudged windows: maybe even a torn awning or a broken shutter. Unfortunately, a few of these places look uninviting all year round! Out of curiosity, I ventured to turn a grimy doorknob and entered one of these shops. I was blown away. Instead of the dismal surroundings I expected, cleanliness and alluring music greeted me. It’s sad how if one didn’t take the leap and cross the stores threshold, no one would experience this friendly environment.
I know we aren’t to judge a book by its cover. But stop and think about what draws us to those multi–facet department stores, bookshops that display our favorites in their window; Or the cathedrals with their brilliant stained glass windows. No one has to debate whether or not he or she should take the chance to go inside. No one has to make a judgment call. Good appearances invite us in to explore.
And what about people? What draws us to particular individuals? Is it how they weather the storms that bombard them? Their radiance through life’s grip of challenges? The support they share and give with others? Proverbs 15 and 17 speaks of a merry heart, and how it creates a cheerful countenance, and acts like good medicine. Does this mean they project a false front of fake happiness? On the contrary, they’ve found what it takes to sustain that sincere, welcoming spirit.
Those with the quiet peace of assurance that God will provide have learned to constantly make sure their store front is clean as it says in Psalm 51:2, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." And again in Acts 22:16 we are called to " . . . Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Would anyone want to know more about our relationship with Christ and how we handle life if we appeared dour, cranky or disagreeable? God knew we couldn’t cleanse, brighten and change ourselves: if we did try, our sinful attitudes and actions would mount up to make us dirty and uninviting. That’s why 1 John 1:7 tells us to get scrubbing with the blood of Jesus Christ [God’s Son], because that is the only way we can be cleansed from our sins, and have that countenance that speaks of His love.
Unlike the storefronts that use soap and water occasionally, may we listen to that bugler call of spring to clean our spirit more than once a year. Others will watch how we traverse those rocky bumps in the road. And we must be ready for them to see clearly through our window to God.

Rubbing Off by Tris Bendickson
Revealing my snack habits a little bit here… but you know when you are enjoying the delicious crunch of your Cheetos and before you reach in for another handful, you look at your hands to find them covered with evidence of your guilty pleasure? Oh, YOU know what I’m talking about. The undeniable coating of electric orange cheese dust! You can lick it off, but once you reach back in that bag, your fingers will be covered again. That crazy–good snack just has a way of rubbing off on you and leaving its mark, every time.
Forgive me for this "cheesy" analogy, but there have been some crazy–good people in my life that have rubbed off on me too. Much like the Cheeto cheese dust on my fingers, they have left their mark on my heart and on my soul. Thinking about all of the positive influences in my life during this season of spiritual growth has caused me to ponder, who has pointed me to God? I mean, really led me to Him in a tangible way. Did I recognize it at the time? Or did they just leave behind a mysterious orangey hue? Looking back, there are a few key people who have steered me down a more spiritual path.
I remember in high school the first person to ever invite me to church. This was significant because I had never been to church in my entire life. Not for church anyway. Weddings and funerals, yes. Church, no. We weren’t that type of family and I never really thought anything of it before, but the idea of going really intrigued me. Would it be uptight and stuffy like I had always imagined? Thankfully it wasn’t. I was curious and went with her a few times which opened my eyes and heart to God. She rubbed off on me.
A few years passed and now out of college, another dear friend of mine invited me to join her for church. We had both been through challenges in our lives and it was a good opportunity for us to share some of our pain and work on healing. I have always admired her strong faith and fortitude. Gifts that she developed through her amazing family and Christian upbringing. And gifts that would serve her well later in life. Little did we know how much she would need her trust in God at the time, but I am thankful she has that now as she is battling cancer. She openly shares her journey with friends and family and continues to inspire and point people to God throughout her struggles. She rubbed off on me.
It is hard to imagine someone considerably younger impacting my quest toward faith, but never underestimate the power of a kind gesture in a moment of need. My oldest nephew appeared in my office one day with a gift for me. My husband had been losing hope with his sons and with our involvement in their lives. So much pain and so many tears had caused me to lose faith in myself and certainly in God. At one of my lowest times, I was given the simple but meaningful gift of a home–recorded CD containing the hand written title of a song that had gotten him through some challenges in his own young life. "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. I’m not entirely sure how he knew the volume of voices that were carrying doubt and condemnation, but he was able to point me to a louder voice. To this day, I consider that one of my prized possessions and among my most life changing moments. On a regular day appeared a gesture that brought me closer to God, and every time I hear that song, I think of that day and I am grateful. He rubbed off on me.
Growing up together and being positively led by her in many areas of my life, it wasn’t until we were several states and hundreds of miles apart that I realized what a spiritual soul my sweet sister is. As the Outreach Director of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, she has the privilege of sharing her faith every day with so many people within her church, within her community, and within her reach. We have had some stirring curiosity–based conversations to stimulate my faith. We have also had some slightly uncomfortable (or as she calls it "prickly") conversations that have really challenged me to see things in a different light. It is often the people in your life that gently push you out of your comfort zone that rub off on you the most, and she definitely does that for me in the very best ways. I am blessed by these God–filled moments with her to stretch my mind, warm my heart, and feed my faith. She is rubbing off on me more and more every day. As I have drawn closer to God, I can see more of Him in my everyday life through the earthly angels that continue to impact me in such loving and lasting ways. It has not been big moments of grand significance that have steered my heart toward Him. It has been in the small gestures. In the inclusive invitations. In the unexpected gifts. In the thought–provoking conversations. In the situations that could have easily been overlooked and even more easily forgotten over the years. It has been these moments that have paved my path toward God. Snacking periodically on small tidbits of faith has filled me up with the spirituality that I hunger for. And as I reach back in for another handful, I begin to extend my own hand to you, in hopes that I can leave just a little of that electric orange cheese dust on your hands too.
Mothers of Compassion
As Christians we are commanded to go into all the world and make disciples. Ac 1:8. There are some mothers that carry that command outside of their immediate families to touch the world with the compassionate love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compassion is a Jesus character quality. In Scripture it tells us that Jesus was moved by compassion when He healed people and ministered to them. Mt 14:14; 15:32; 18:27; Mr 1:41; 20:34; 5:19; Lu 7:13.
Compassion means "a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering."
"Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self–fulfillment." ––Arthur Jersild.
"Compassion is not sentiment but is making justice and doing works of mercy. Compassion is not a moral commandment but a flow and overflow of the fullest human and divine energies." ––Matthew Fox.
Some women never have children, but have moved outside of their own circle of family and friends to become compassionate mothers to others in the world. A prime example is Mother Teresa who was born on August 26, 1910. She joined the Sisters of Loreto as a missionary when she was 18 years old.
The next year she arrived in India to begin her work of teaching in the St. Teresa’s School. Teresa served as a teacher and headmistress in Calcutta for almost twenty years. While in there her eyes were opened to the poverty that surrounded her. The compassion of Christ poured into her as she observed the poor.
His compassion poured out of her when she became Mother Teresa in 1946. After obtaining Indian citizenship she left the convent to live among the poor. She became poor herself in order to minister to the poor. In 1949 she started a school with a small group of young women who came to help her. They joined Mother Teresa in creating a new religious community to help the "poorest among the poor."
In 1950 Mother Teresa obtained Vatican permission to start the Missionaries of Charity. She said the mission was to care for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, and all people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."
The 13 young women that began the mission with Mother Teresa grew to more than 4,000 sisters serving in orphanages, AIDS hospices and charity centers. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian works.
During her time on earth she founded 610 foundations in 123 countries working in seven continents. India awarded her the "Jewel of India", the highest honor given to Indian civilians. The Soviet Union’s gave her their Gold Medal of the Soviet Peace Committee. Although she never saw her sister and mother again after entering the convent as a young woman she became a mother who touched the world with the love of Jesus Christ.
Mothers don’t have to travel the world to touch the lives of others outside their family. I remember a special Christian neighbor who brought our family a gift she made with her hands to bless us when I was a young girl. That woman actually did that for many struggling families.
My friend Sandra King, from New Zealand, is a woman who married and had three children. Her children grew up and she was alone. She felt that God had something more for her to do with her life. She felt deeply stirred to sell everything she had and move to China.
Initially she set out for Chengdu University in 1991 to study Mandarin. She trusted the Lord to lead and guide her in the way He wanted her to go. During the time she was studying there a university staff member asked if she would take care of a month–old abandoned baby that was found.
Sandra looked after little Laura while she studied and some eight months later Laura was adopted by a family. By the time Sandra finished her studies she knew that God brought her to China to take care of abandoned babies.
In 1999 she moved to Guangzhou and opened her first orphanage that was named the Home of Heavenly Healing. She was there eight years and during that time she trained a staff of ten Chinese ladies. Together they took care of 38 abandoned babies. One was a baby girl named Ruth who was abandoned at 10 days old. Sandra later was able to adopt her.
Over the next twenty years in China Sandra cared for over 600 orphans that were found in fields, garbage cans, by land marks and sometimes they were left in cardboard boxes at her gate. Sandra had to trust God to provide for the children and to bring Chinese staff to help her care for the children.
At 67 years old you would think that Sandra’s time in China now would have come to a close. But after a 2 year rest in New Zealand the leading of the Lord has again opened a large door for Sandra to go back to China and establish yet another orphanage.
God asks us to open up our hearts and to let them remain open throughout our lives. We are given the choice, it is up to us to always say, "Yes, Lord."
If we desire to let Jesus flow through us to help others it is important that we let ourselves be exposed to the needy people around us. On one trip into China God opened my eyes to the desperate need among the China orphans as I held a dying little boy in my arms. I made the Lord a promise to help every child He brings to me. For me to make a difference in the life of a child is worth it all. "And of some have compassion, making a difference." Jude 1:22.
Clara Barton, born in 1821 was the founder of the American Red Cross. She was filled with the compassion of Jesus Christ through the experience she gained while nursing her sick brother. Because of that experience she devoted her life to helping others with her nursing skills. She became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield" because of her great compassion and nursing skills. She gained her title by helping the soldiers at the Anderson Prison camp where 13,000 men died.
Her compassion led her beyond just herself using her nursing skills. In 1881 she united relief efforts for the Great Fire in Michigan when 5,000 people were left homeless. Again in 1889 she united relief help for the Johnstown Flood where 2209 people died.
Clara’s last contribution as President of the American Red Cross came in 1900 as she worked to help folks in the Galveston hurricane. She founded an orphanage for children of the battlefield. Even after leaving the American Red Cross position she founded the National First Aid Society in 1904 at the age of 83 years old.
As women, we are called to open our hearts and let the Lord Jesus Christ fill us with His compassion for the whole world. Jo 15:16. "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?" Mt 18:33. "But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" 1Jo 3:17. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." 1Pe 3:8.
Tumbleweeds…
If you’ve ever driven across the desert, or another desolate area, you have no doubt seen the tumbleweeds blowing along with the wind. I remember "discovering" them when I was a child ~ I was so fascinated that a bush would roll like a ball across the landscape, I watched them until they were out of sight, or we veered around a curve. My dad loved the Sons of the Pioneers, and one of their beautiful songs contained the words "drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds." This thought brings to mind a concept of aloofness…could be the sage–colored blowing bushes of the desert, or a lost puppy…or a lost soul.
In Psalm 83, Asaph sings a prayer to God regarding the enemies of God. He says, "Make them like tumbleweeds, O my God, like chaff before the wind. As a fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm." (vs 13–15). What I picture here is not one or a few tumbleweeds blowing across the desert in a breeze, but hundreds of them blowing and rolling with gale–force winds piloting their path. Just as the enemies Asaph would have the Lord chase away.
And Isaiah described the desolation of Damascus (chapter 17), recording how the people had forgotten God, their Savior, and "although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when He rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like the chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale." (vs. 13).
Have you seen, or known people like this? People who are just wandering, with no purpose other than to be carried along by the winds? There may have been a time in our own lives when we had no direction or ambition, just drifting. Some individuals will wander across the country, doing odd jobs, making only enough change to buy their meals, with no destination in mind…just walking without knowing, or caring, where ~ a nomad, a vagabond, carrying all they own on their back in a pack.
Sometimes I feel like a tumbleweed in my own home. I know there is work to be done, but for whatever reason I don’t feel like doing the task, or most times, there is so much I don’t know where to start. Like right now, after the holidays, the looming chore of packing away all the decorations stares me in the face. I’ve done a little at a time, but often feel like a tumbleweed, going from room to room not really wanting to commit to the job. Not wishing to go down and climb up the stairs one more time, my arms laden with boxes.
There are people who are like tumbleweeds when it comes to their spiritual lives. But many times, and to many people, Jesus said, "Follow Me." Such a simple command. But we make it seem so difficult. Jesus is our example and shows us the kind of life we should live in order to have eternal life, in order to not wander aimlessly through life any longer. If sheep were left to themselves they would be lost in a matter of minutes, and in much danger, because they really are incapable of taking care of themselves. Jesus also said, "I am the good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me." (Matthew 10:14).
Do you feel lost at times, maybe like you’re just tumbling around in the wind? Jesus says, "Follow Me." Are you wandering in and out of financial trouble, relationship problems, job situations, or just plain feelings of inadequacy and not having a purpose in life? "Follow Me." He gives us not empty promises, but has already paid the price for everlasting and abundant life for those of us who will choose to follow Him. He offers compassion and healing for our souls and our bodies. And instead of our wandering, He will carry us over the rough spots in our lives and teach us, and make us whole. We desperately need His constant care and supervision in our lives. If we put our hand in His great and loving hand, we will never be lost again.
From my heart, Jeanne Stone Helstrom (Excerpted from "Morning Celebrations")