There are a couple of times each year that I look forward to with great anticipation. Christmas morning of course brings me great JOY but just as exciting is picking up our babies from their summer camps. Last week was one of those week’s for me. The embrace of their hug melts my heart. The camp always has a theme song for the year that they teach all of the campers, and it helps them focus on what they are learning that week. This year’s theme moved my heart just as much as year’s past…TAKE A STAND!

#PrayersForCharleston

After a heartbreaking week in the news with the evil that took place in South Carolina, the timing was perfect for these sweet babies to be learning about taking a stand for Jesus! As I listened to the words and watched them do their choreography tears swelled as I thought about the nine who gave their lives sharing the gospel. Watching the judge invite their family members to speak on behalf of their perished loved one was almost too hard to bear. The beautiful words that each one of them offered to Dylann Roof, “We forgive you” was a big step in their healing and another beautiful example of taking a stand for Jesus. Evil can’t win when there is forgiveness. Evil can’t win when people come together and unite instead of divide and riot. Evil can’t win when the church still comes together to worship, pray and seek God in their deepest hour. I, like the rest of the world, have been moved by the beautiful people of South Carolina involved in this great tragedy. My heart and prayers will continue for these precious people.

Although our Lexi was exhausted from her week she was on a spiritual high that caused her to share story after story with us. She inspired us with her faith. Remember last week, I shared in “Pursue Solitude” that I was struggling and couldn’t hear Him due to the noise of the world. After listening to our 12 year old, the noise had subsided. I could hear Him through her and it was breathtaking. I could hear Him through the words of the song and see Him through every camper that was singing them. He was in the room with us and I was encouraged. I want to share the words with you. You can also listen to it by clicking here.

Take A Stand

Ephesians 6:13 New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

My faithful friend, Rivera Douthit, created this photo.

Friends, I encourage you to memorize it. I encourage you to tuck it away deep into your heart, so when the day of evil comes (notice it doesn’t say “if” the day of evil comes it says “WHEN”) you will be like the people of South Carolina and STAND! Now more than ever we need to stand sweet followers of Christ. It’s not the time to grow weary and weak and stay silent to the evil but to stand against it and bring the light into the darkness. Dylan Roof was born in the image of God just like you and me. Somewhere along the way, he found the darkness and it overtook him. When we bring the light into the darkness God penetrates. I am praying for Dylan Roof. May the light bring him straight into the arms of our loving Father that is faithful in forgiving. Through this great tragedy, salvation can be found. Praying for it in Jesus’s Holy and loving name!