Enlightenment

Photo Credit: http://www.antonfernando.com

Hi, Everyone!

Even at the tender age of 19, there is absolutely nothing like enlightenment.

It’s no secret that I am a sheltered child. I stand on record that my mom and dad did their absolute damnedest to protect me from all kinds of evil. Heck, I will also go on record and say that the “sweet, little innocent” act is the real me. You may call me naïve or oblivious—and you might be right—but one thing is certain: I am not ignorant to the crap that is going on in this world.

Yes, I freely admit that life has removed some of my innocence—and I’m not afraid to further admit that it’s really scaring me.

You know, we’re now living in a time where there is so much evil and hatred running seemingly roughshod that it’s difficult to discern who is sincere and who isn’t. And check this out: It’s bad enough that this world has gone to hell in a handbasket—killings at schools, movie theaters, buses, and just yesterday, the tragedy at Boston marathon. With so much going on, it got me to thinking about what my Auntie Gladys said this weekend: “Jesus is a closer to comin’ back now than He was ten minutes ago.”

And then yesterday evening, I found comfort in reading the Bible!

I was always taught at an early age that The Lord answers all of our questions in His Word, and with that said, I was compelled to read II Timothy 3 in its entirety. In this particular chapter, Timothy was having the same worries and concerns as I am. Well, Paul wrote a letter of comfort to Timothy. To paraphrase the chapter, Paul basically said, “Timothy, I went through the very hell that you’re going through—and guess what: Moses went through it long before I did. But I don’t want you to give up, Timothy—hang on in there and remember what I taught you: Trust in The Lord and keep His Word in your heart. I don’t care what everybody else is doing—you just keep on serving The Lord and continue to bless His Holy Name.”

Well, after reading II Timothy 3, I felt so much better; as a matter of fact, I shared it with Ruby and Theo. Imagine my surprise when they both told me that they sometimes feel like odd ducks. Theo emphatically made it clear: “I’m so glad to learn that I’m not the only one.”

In closing this blog, I want to encourage each and every one of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to hang on in there and keep the faith. Yes, we are living in perilous times, and it doesn’t look like it’s gonna get better, but nevertheless, I want y’all to remember these five words:

KEEP ON, IN SPITE OF!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha