We can each do something this day to increase shalom, well-being, and flourishing in our world—to participate in “God’s kingdom come.”
I like the quote by Anne Frank, that I photographed summer 2017 when I was visiting Birmingham, Alabama. This monument was erected in the context of the Civil Rights struggles of that city, quoting a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis. If she could think and pen such words, shouldn’t we—as followers of the Messiah—who revealed to us God’s heart of Love and compassion—be looking for ways to “improve the world” that God created, Christ gave his life for, ever lives to intercede for, and is coming back to reclaim and re-create? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” John 3:16.
As a believer and follower of Jesus, the Creator and Redeemer, I want to reflect his character of holy love into this groaning, strife-filled world.
One way I seek to do that is by publishing books that offer hope. I believe that hope is what sets “Christian books” apart among general book publishing. Whether through fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or poetry; a story, essay, or poem may portray a context of brokenness, sin, and conflict. But into that milieu will shine a ray of hope that gives the reader renewed courage to reach up and take hold of “the helping hand at the end of God’s long arm of love.”
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Thank you, Cathy, for all you do to bring the love and joy of Christ to readers. Thank you for giving my PRAISE! such loving attention. May God continue to guide, bless, and empower you for all you’re to do in Jesus’ Name.
Mary, as you say in one of your PRAISE! Poems:
“Please help us, Lord, to be
kind to everything on earth
and be the kind of children who
belong with You in Heaven.”