Good News

Which one brings joy, good news or bad news?

Throughout a lifetime, there is no escaping bad news. However, you are the keeper of your own thoughts and what you speak into the world. People have an innate desire to connect with one another. How we do just that is up to us. And yet, thankfully, because God made us and knows that we are sinners, He provided a way out for us. Jesus is the "good news."

Good news prompts a joyous reaction and feeling. The spirit is lifted when we receive good news. Our inner core is filled with a feeling that is joyful, loving, and elated.

On the contrary, bad news can feel like being trapped under a heavy object. It can weigh on us. It can rob us of sleep. It doesn't want to leave our inner being. It is heavy. It is sad, and it is not productive.

This past week while spending time with my Mom, it was interesting to be surrounded with a variety of individuals who have lost their ability to remember their life experiences. However, this did not limit what would come out of most of their mouths. As we approached the dinner table one night, a woman was seated with her back to the door. As I pushed my Mom around the side of the table, this woman blurted, "oh no not you, you are trouble." These forceful words prompted me to assert myself, in order to protect my Mom. (My Mom was not speaking much this evening, so I knew I needed to be her voice). I spoke with resonance, as I said, "we will be kind to one another." She proceeded to say, "She told me I talk too much." Then this older woman spotted my Mom's t-shirt, and said, "Carolina Swimming, I hate Carolina." Again, I spoke up, and said, "Carolina is a great school. I went there, and there are a lot of good people who go to Carolina. Needless to say, this woman spoke non- stop about people she had ever crossed paths with in life, her accomplishments, their accomplishments, and how this person was so..….. My Mom, trying to be kind, was looked at her and waiting for her to stop talking. I told my Mom that she didn't have to look at her and to look at me, sitting opposite this woman. We are not required to listen to others who love to hear themselves talk. There was no good news in what she was saying. There was also no connecting. She just spoke, until the food came. Thank God for food.

My Mom is in the Memory Care Unit at Springmoor. Last week, someone took her wedding ring, another ring and two bracelets off her body. My Mom, who is helpless and in their care, was robbed. This has been so heavy and sad for me and my Dad and my kids. My Mom was such a hard worker. She gave so much of herself to others throughout her lifetime and always worked hard. She can no longer defend herself, or clean up her messes. However, this does not entitle someone else to her belongings. Mostly, this makes us remember that we can be helpless in this lifetime. However, these items. although sentimental, are material items. They are fleeting. She does not remember the stories of when and where she acquired them. But they were hers.

We all need good news to hold on to, because there is evil in this world. God knew this. He longs to give us hope, peace, love and joy. These are His good gifts. All these gifts including: goodness, forbearance, kindness, gentleness and self-control are all fruits of the spirit. These gifts fill up our spirit, and give us joy.

It is so important to remember where to look. We can turn our eyes away from that which does not fill us up. We can turn our eyes to focus on what God longs to give us. His gifts are so much greater than anything we can receive materially, in this world. His gifts are eternal and complete goodness. His greatest gift was Jesus, who took all of our sins to the cross. God longs for us to believe in Jesus, His life, His death, and His resurrection. This is the best news we could ever receive. Practice being the bearer of good news today and every day. Spread His goodness and speak His goodness to others. Love your neighbor well.

"As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" -Romans 10:15