Inspired, Encouraged, Motivated

This week I have been inspired, encouraged, and motivated by a sign, quotes, stories, and the Sunday Comics.

 

“Don’t shine so others can see you.  Shine so through you others can see him (God).” – C. S. Lewis

“Let the light inside of you shine brighter than the light that shines on you.” -  Dabo Swinney, Clemson Head Football Coach to his players

Braden Baker is a 10 year old from Fort Worth, Texas.  He was born with a bi-lateral hearing loss, is 75% deaf, and has worn two hearing aids since he was about seven months old.  Recently, his dog “Chewy” ate a second pair of his hearing aids.  Braden’s mother was not pleased and talked to him about responsibility.  She explained that they were fortunate that they could afford to buy another pair of hearing aids, but there are many people who are deaf that cannot afford any hearing aids at all.  That made an impression on Braden and he asked his mother to set up a Go Fund Me account so he could raise money, in order to give the gift of hearing to people who could not afford it.  As of today, Braden has raised more than $43,000.00.  For his 11^th birthday, in November, he will fly to Guatemala to help give away hearing aids to children and adults who would not have them otherwise.

“I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And what I can do, I ought to do.  And what I ought to do, by the grace of God I shall do.” – Edward Everett Hale

Steve Kelly and Jeff Parker team up for the comic “Dustin.”  In Sunday’s posting the daughter is telling her dad and brother all the work she has to complete along with some of the problems she is encountering. 

Father:  I’m so sorry that happened sweetheart.

Daughter:  Thanks, Dad.  That means a lot to me.

Brother:  Did you understand a word she said?

Father:  One thing I’ve learned Dustin…you don’t have to understand to be understanding.

With all that is happening in our world, country, city, and neighborhoods, it seems like a good time to let Jesus’ light shine through us, to help those who are in need, and to do our part in understanding and encouraging others.

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11