Good Still Exists

In a world that is constantly seeing the evil that is done, the way people hurt each other, and having all the bad become the headlines I think we sometimes forget the good that is still out there. As it turns out, the bad probably makes a better story but good is there, sometimes quieter and sometimes hidden, but still there. In the last several days, I have seen several examples that good prevails.

The show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a perfect example. People willing give  their time, labor, and materials to, often times, people they don't know. They come out in throngs to help people in a more desperate or perhaps similar situation as them.

Often times we hear, see, or ignore homeless people. However, I know someone who goes out everyone week to prepare and serve a meal for people that can't afford to feed themselves. And she does it without expecting something in return. She does it because she wants to and helping others honestly makes her happy.

I know, or know of, so many people who are dedicating their lives to looking after, raising awareness, and serving the orphans. Having personally worked at an orphange, I know what it is like to see children who have gotten the worst of life and wanting nothing more than to make their lives better. Yet for every orphan we know of, there are probably so many more that are unseen. However, these people work selflessly to make a difference, not for their own benefit but for the benefit of children who haven't been given a chance. 

Good still exists.

On a more personal level, I have a most fabulous roommate who has shown me so much good. Example: I have been sick for the last few days and she has desired to serve me. (Aside: I would much rather serve then me served. So, I am learning about being humble instead of prideful and letting people serve me.) Thursday night when I started feeling sick, she washed my dishes. Yesterday, after class, she sat in my room and just talked to me, kept me company. She has filled my water class numerous times. I caught her cleaning our apartment when she thought I wasn't watching. Last night she went to the store to get me medicine, juice, and powerade, something I wanted to do myself and she wouldn't let me. This morning one of the first things she asked is what she could get me. She has been wonderful and not just because she has helped me, but because that is who she is. She is truly a most fabulous person and an amazing example of a servant. Why?

Good still exists.

Look for it, see it, feel it, do, show it. Good is still out there and sometimes we have to be the ones to make it possible.

*Sorry for any errors in grammar and spelling, or areas that don't make sense. I am too tried to go through and edit. Back to fever induced confusion.

~Jess

It's Sour

Sometimes words seem so futile, so meaningless, so ambiguous. 

When you are watching someone suffer through the tough things that life dishes out, it is so hard to come up with words that don't sound trite and overused. I want to speak words that offer comfort and peace but feel so inadequate. So, you offer a hug and a shoulder to cry on. And sometimes, that's all you can do. 

It is sour.

The thing is, we were never promised a sweet life and sometimes, that really sucks. It would be so nice if following Jesus was a promise that life would be easy and comfortable; sweet even. Unfortunately, we were never given that promise. No where in the Bible does it say "Cast aside your trials and tribulations, for I will make your life simple and easy. When you follow me, all worries, sadness, and fear will be forgotten." 

Now, perhaps that would make Christianity seem much sweeter to some atheists. 

Alas, we were never given that promise. Instead, if anything, life would more than likely become harder once we took the plunge (or perhaps the lifeline) and gave our lives to Christ. But that's okay. Sometimes life is going to suck, for us or others, and its okay. Its okay for life to not work out and for there to be seasons of sorrow, disbelief, and anger. And sometimes life is sour and all we can say is "its okay."

That is the phrase I have found myself repeating over and over the last few days to one of my friends as she deals with a family loss. Its okay. Hopefully, she knows how much meaning I intend to convey in those two words...

your emotions are okay

your anger is okay

I have been there too

the Lord has not abandoned you

I am here for you

what you are feeling is normal

it will be okay

you are okay

its okay

Sometimes its sour, but its okay.