Our Comforter

Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
    This weekend marked a time of great emotional angst. While the week was satiated with birthday celebrations and announcements of new births and job promotions; it ended with the home-going celebration of a good friend and news of senseless slaughter of patrons in a Florida night spot.
    Of course we cannot control the ups and downs of life; nor can we convince the hands of time to stand still while we gather our wits about us; but what we can do is to know and believe that God is in control. We might not understand untimely deaths, unbridled tragedies or many of the ‘whys’ of life, but we must draw strength, courage and power to face our challenges from the Holy Spirit which dwells within us. It is natural to feel grief and we are blessed as we mourn; but the comfort that comes is not due to the flow of tears or the release of anxiety – it comes directly from the Father.
    Live life; do not be afraid to grab all the gusto it provides and when the up side of the mountain turned into the down swing that plummets to the valley know that the Holy Spirit, our Paraclete, our Comforter is there and we shall be comforted.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t’ be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn