Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 45:52

As I write this it's still "too close to call." 

One thing I do know, regardless of who we wake up to tomorrow morning, God is in control.

Now more than ever we need to focus on our blessings and the things that unite us.

“Love does not cost anything. Kind words and deeds do not cost anything. The real beauty of the world is equal for everyone to see. It was given by God equally to all, without restrictions." ~Carla Jo Masterson

"Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling." ~ President Lincoln

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Inspired by . . . team USA

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Have you been watching the Olympic games in Rio? 

I confess, I don't usually make it a point to watch the games. But this year, well, it's been nice, hasn't it?

To tune in and see, night after night, stories about men and woman who have worked hard, sometimes against terrific odds, and achieved their dreams. Just making it to the Olympics is a huge accomplishment. Actually winning a medal is the icing on the cake.

Okay, yes, I realize that people are still dying, refugees are still fleeing, and don't even get me started on the circus that is our political situation right now. But the focus has been on what, in my opinion, the focus should always be on:

The good left in this world that is worth fighting for.

The 2016 Olympians have restored my hope in humanity.

Simone Biles and Aly Raisman cemented it for me Thursday night. 

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The JOY that these two women take in each other's accomplishments isn't fakery. By their own admission, they are complete opposites when they step outside of the gymnasium. But their love for each other is genuine. They are true BFF's.

Simone and Aly are just one example. We can learn a lot from athletes like them and the USA Olympic teams in general. Each member has their own strengths and weaknesses. They each shine brightly in a particular area. But when they work together their radiance is positively blinding! 

The reality is we're all on the same team. Human beings created equal in the image of our Creator.

Each of us has a choice: We can let our differences divide and destroy us; both individually and, ultimately, corporately. Or we can let our differences unite us into a winning team.

From infancy, society teaches us to compare and judge differences. This is a cycle of behavior that needs to change. Rather than comparing and judging we should seek to understand and celebrate our differences.

God made us different for a reason. We all have a part to play. 

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Rom 12:4-9)

The Apostle Paul teaches us this truth with regard to the spiritual life, but I believe it applies to everyone as part of humanity.

The tensions in our nation and around the world may seem overwhelming and insurmountable. If you think you can't make a difference then you've bought into one of the enemy's biggest lies. He delights in chaos and disunity. 

Every time we choose to love, every time we take a step toward our fellow man rather than turning away we cause a ripple in the pool for the good of this world.

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Our actions do matter. 

Our choices have consequences. 

Our differences DO NOT have to divide us.

What about you?

Are you on the team?

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Inspired by . . . Psalm 133

A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. (Psa 133:1-3)

It wasn't difficult, upon reading these words, to see the juxtaposition to the state of things in our world today. It is rare to find unity between brothers in both the literal and figurative sense of the word.

But then I realized that is exactly David's point. Disunity is nothing new. It's been around since Cain killed his brother Abel. It will be around until Jesus returns.

David tells us to Behold! for unity is a rare and wonderful thing. It is sacred, like the precious oil poured over the High Priest's head. 

That's why Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:34-35)

Jesus knew that if love and unity was witnessed among believers, people would take notice. He also knew that we would need this love and unity if we were to endure to the end. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:24-25)

I'll be the first to admit that I have not always fulfilled His commandment. I have failed to love. And yes, I believe that my responsibility to love is greater because of Who I confess to represent.

I'm not talking about a namby-pamby love that ignores and tolerates sin. I'm talking about the fierce love of the Father, the love that desires to see the His children made whole, pure and blessed.

This is the love we must have for each other, and for the world. And we can. When we submit to His will and allow Him to empower us to do His will.

Not the love that comes and goes, but the love that abides. Not a spirit that separates and divides, but one of unity and accord. Not minds that seek only to debate, but minds which seek to understand.

Because where love reigns, God reigns. And until He returns in the flesh, we are His ambassadors.

May our words and actions honor

and glorify Him.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends