once upon a time

let me share with you something that i learned recently. here it comes:

everyone has a story.

that's right, everyone has their own story. and everyday, each person writes another line, another page and another chapter of their story.

now, why in the world is this important, especially as christians? here's my application. but, give me just a minute to put it into perspective.

on april 24th, i got into a serious car accident. by the grace and mercy of God, i walked out with bruised knees and a sore back. the other gentleman came out with a cut on his arm and a bit sore too. to be quite frank, the officers were surprised that one of us wasn't dead, or at least seriously injured. so, as the next few days progressed, i almost expected everyone i ran into to understand that i had been in a traumatic event. but, of course, they didn't know.

this got me to thinking. how many people are walking around me everyday going through unspeakable things. from divorces and family losses to job issues and money problems. the list is endless, especially for non-believers. but yet we get consumed with our lives - with our walks - and we forget.

we forget that people are out there struggling just as much if not more than us. we forget that the reason that a person cuts us off in traffic is because they just got a call that a loved one has been rushed to the hospital. we forget that the harsh words of a stranger are fueled by years weathering rough abuse and alcoholism. and most importantly, we forget to act in the love and grace of Christ Jesus that is more than abundant for each person we come in contact with each day.

so i encourage you - remember that people can be going through the unthinkable. so be the one person in their day that show love and is true and genuine. this world has enough fake and self-absorbed people. look through your Father's eyes and see His children in their entirety.

and remember too, their story is perfect according to the Author of everyone's story. and He knows the end. and He knows the role He wants you to play in their story, and what role they will play in yours. don't miss the chance to change someone's story for the better... it could be the difference between them seeing happily ever after or missing it completely.

"My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends." - john 15:13-14

"i have become all things to all people so that by all possible means i might save some." - 1 corinthians 9:22

my love to you in Christ Jesus,

ashleigh

weather the walk

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

He does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, 'fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'be a mighty downpour.'

so that all men He has made may know His work,

He stops every man from his labor."

- job 37:5-7

for the last week or so in tallahassee, we have had some extreme weather. from monsooning rain to glorious blue skies to unexpected cold snaps - we've pretty much had it. not too sure why, but it has come nevertheless.

isn't that how our walk with God is? we go through it all. whether the changes in the wind are constant and daily or drawn out over years, we must weather the changes.

there are days that it pours rain spiritually. i am wet, tired and depressed during those times. yet, at the end of the rainy spell - a glorious sun comes out to warm the earth. the same thing happens in my walk with God. at the end of my rainy spells - a glorious SON comes out and warms my life and fosters growth with the supplication that came from the rain.

some days we're hot and on fire (just like 95 degree weather here in florida). but other days, it's like an overnight freeze. still, our Father is still in control. at the end of the day, at the end of the season - His Son comes out.

job tells us in chapter 37 that God controls and commands the weather we see effect this earth. if our God controls the physical weather so that it allows growth and abundance, how much more will He control the weather in our lives?

our Father is the ultimate weatherman. He has the doppler radar - God edition. nothing sneaks up on Him, nothing surprises Him, nothing is out of His control.

throughout the rain, snow, clouds, cold and heat, our Father is constantly watching and growing us. if it weren't for the rain, we would never full appreciate the glorious warmth and life of the Son.

"praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are His.

He changes the times and seasons;

He sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

he reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with Him."

- daniel 2:20-22

so weather the walk and know that the Son is never far away.

my love to you in Christ Jesus,

ashleigh