Silver Lining

For a while now I've had to limit the news I watch on T.V. I used to watch the local news twice each evening until it finally dawned on me they are both same. Same song second verse. Double trouble. 

For years I've wondered why the news programs don't share good information along with the bad. After all, odds are someone has done something good worth noting that could serve to boost our hope in mankind. Besides, wouldn't logic dictate that a combination of good versus evil is that sweet and salty mix sure to draw more viewers? I always thought so, but who am I?

Well apparently I am not alone and a lot of people are craving to see the silver lining around the dark clouds of world events. NBC Nightly News has made it a habit to shine a spot light on positive things people are doing to help others amidst these troubling times. They call it "Making a Difference" and each evening, at the end of the program, they share stories of hope and compassion from all around the country. It's a perfect way to end the news.

For instance, there is the anonymous shopper who put $50 in an envelop and began passing it down the grocery line. Instructions on the envelop told the reader to either use the money if needed or pass it on down the line. Some shoppers actually added money to the kitty before passing it on. 

Then there is the cafe' in Denver, Colorado, that asks their patrons to pay for their meal if they can and if they cannot, it's on the house. This story has spurred viewers from all over the country to donate money to this establishment.

And then there's the man who loves ice skating so much he wants to share his passion with area children. He buys old used ice skates from garage sales and thrift shops, then stores them in his garage. He's collected a wide assortment of sizes and colors in order to give them to children who cannot afford to buy their own. His story has prompted viewers to donate their own used skates, many of which are in perfect condition.

Lastly, who can forget the man who donates his time and money to transporting cancer patients to their appointments and therapy. Oh, how it warms my heart to hear these stories of good people doing good things in a world where evil appears to prevail. People like you and me close as the person standing next to us in the grocery line.

I don't know about you but I need hope. Just a little goes a long way and when it comes to hearing bad news at every turn, it's imperative for me to top it off with something good, otherwise I find myself wanting to shrivel up and die. That's why when I listen to the news I pray. I pray for the victims of horrible crimes, criminals themselves, and the ripple effect these evil deeds causes. I praise God for working His good in the midst of all that is bad and strive to keep my heart and mind steadfast on the truth that He is faithful in all He says and does. He knew all these things would transpire before the foundation of the earth and He has a plan; a plan that will forever prevail. For me this is just the hope I need to carry me through these dark and trying times. I also plant His word in my heart and recite it back to Him. Here are just a few.

Strength

Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." 

Patience

Daniel 10:12 "Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia."

Perseverence

Luke 9:51 "As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." 

Dedication

Hosea  2:16, 19-20 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ 19 I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. 20 I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD."

What do you do to stay afloat? Feel free to share your favorite scripture or good deed you've seen or done lately. Like a good case of the flu it's sure to lift the hearts of others; just the kind of epidemic we need in the world today.