A Stranger Among You
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Daily we read, or hear of BAD NEWS! War, Crime, Politics, Scandals, and people ranting and raving about what they don’t like or the wrong being done.
It hit me today, as I sat and listened to the reading from the Bible that there is also a great deal of GOOD STUFF happening that we never hear about. Did you know for instance that of the 7.5 billion people in the world over 6.7 billion are people of Faith, who believe in a God, and are doing good and living love? At least a third of these believe in praying several times a day and keeping God in their hearts and lives.
We know that Muslims must pray 5 times a day, Jews must keep the Word of God on their minds and lips, most Protestants go to church 2 times a week and read from their Bible daily---and all around the world in the Catholic Faith 350,000 Masses are celebrated daily. The Bible or Word is read there and the Last Supper ‘remembered’ and celebrated there and those believers then receive that Precious Body of Jesus. Catholics also remember in prayer the Mysteries of God’s love when over 600 million Rosaries are recited daily.
EVERY DAY this amount of prayer and seeking God is a part of 6.7 billion people of faith, and most try to live that faith. But as you know we are not perfect. This, however, is still a lot of believing people who are mostly strong in their faith and believe in right and wrong.—and that accounts for a great deal of GOOD Stuff happening and GOOD NEWS ---but you do not hear about it for good news does not sell or attract like the gossip and horror stories do.
As for yourself, are you making a difference? Are you spreading the Good News/Stuff by choosing to live love instead of passing on negative stinking thinking? Are you seeing the positive in people no matter what? Do you NOT believe in a God for “if there is a God why is all the bad news happening?” Simple, bad is happening, because there are still humans choosing to do wrong! Even the weather is affected by what we chose to do. Disease has increased by what we chose to do. Early deaths, most of the time, happened by what we chose to do. And, even if there are those born with defects and those who live with disabilities ---that to, is for the purpose of good coming into the world. Yes—for if all were perfect—then none would appreciate what is good and be disgusted with the perfection of others as we jealously look at them and despise what we see. Humans tend to never be satisfied. Darkness, hates the light for if there is Light, then the darkness cannot exist can it?
Now dear humans, you have been told what is happening and you also are given a choice. Contribute to what is GOOD or contribute to the increase of the bad/evil/stinking mess by dumping more on the bad news pile by your choices/actions and words too.
My name is Johanna or John and we need to prepare or live the Way of the Lord.
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
