Faith, Folklore, and Friends

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus  the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing  counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through  hard times, and before you know it, he brings us  alongside someone else who is going through hard  times so that we can be there for that person just as  God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times  that come from following the Messiah, but no more  so than the good times of his healing comfort—we  get a full measure of that, too. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-5 The Message

No one escapes this life without some bumps (or canyons) in the road. We are assured of trouble...everyone, saved and unsaved alike. Jesus tells us "in this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world." (John 16:33 NCV) My sister and friend is in a battle right now. She has fought for months; surgery, treatments, chemotherapy. One would think she would look weary, defeated. She has exploited this evil, this vicious blackness, slapping Satan's face with it, upgrading it for the glory of God. She continually praises God for His healing, points others to the great Healer. She chose to stay in the background before. Now, with joy and thanksgiving, she tells multitudes about His love and power. There is something about her that cannot be explained with mere words. Always beautiful, with flawless skin and a smile that could light up a room, she's different now. She glows. She radiates the glory of God. Is it God's peace? Is it the innumerable pr...