Judgement

Much too often I hear about people being put down, ridiculed because of their social class, the color of their skin, how they dress, how they talk, their lack of education etc. We judge people based on what we see, what the media or newspaper tells us, or compared to how we ourselves were raised. We judge them without getting to know them.

Everyone has a story, and as we know from our own stories, much of the circumstances that arise are out of our control. More importantly, we judge them without even being willing to turn around and help.

Those "poor people" living on the streets, many assume don't want to work, are just out there to get to get hand-me-outs.
Perhaps they really do want to work, and maybe they even do work. But maybe the amount they make isn't enough to afford any place to live. Maybe they weren't told about shelters to seek out.

Those in gangs or committing crimes, many assume are horrible people that don't deserve a second chance.
Perhaps deep inside, they don't want to be doing so but truly don't know any other way because of how they were brought up and the environment they were raised in. Maybe they are afraid of losing their own life if they tried to leave that gang.

Those who can't speak English are told to get out of our country because they are taking away jobs from us Americans.
Perhaps those who can't speak English "taking our jobs" is because they are paid cents on the dollar compared to the majority of America. Maybe they take the jobs others won't because of how little they are paid. Maybe they are trying to better their lives by coming here and working to feed and take care of their families.

What if instead of bashing and judging we instead started helping? For if we aren't willing to help change the situation, we have no right to complain about the situation. Get involved in an organization that will make a difference, even if that difference is just for one person's life... because to that one person, you changed their life around. Help someone who is struggling. Teach someone who is failing. Encourage someone who seems to be drowning in their own life. Step out and be the change you want to see. Stop just complaining about it. Stop judging a story you don't even know.

Often I feel judged because I "look fine". But my body is not fine. My body is so very broken, you just can't see it. This judgement extends far further than myself. We all do it every single day. And we all need to stop doing it and start stepping up to help others how and where we can.

For as far back as I can remember, the thought of being a missionary was laid on me. Once I got all caught up in college and then working, I forgot about it. Once I became a Christian, it was laid on my heart again, but pushed to the back of my mind considering my illnesses. I often find myself stuck in this position of feeling like I can't make a difference because of my physical limitations. But I can, and you can, we all can. If you can't get out there and physically go on mission trips or do hard labor, think of another less physical way. Simply be an advocate through writing... in a blog, in the newspaper, letters to encourage and help others. If all else seems too difficult, pray. Praying is the greatest gift you can give anyone. And if you can do physical work and do want to help others, still don't forget to pray... ask them to pray with you. You may be that one person they need to open their eyes to Christ.

Stop judging what you don't know and start helping who you can.You can change a life. All you have to be is willing.

What God told me

22 days ago.

I was standing in a church during worship.

I felt the Holy Spirit present. And then suddenly, like a tube of light descending upon me, I felt this rush of something powerful burst in me and then right out of me. At that same moment, I heard a message. I heard it so loudly and clearly: You are healed.

Wow.

That was quite powerful. I shared it with the person I was with. For a few hours I felt like I may have just had the Lord come down and literally heal me. Then I asked, why am I still experiencing symptoms? The person I was with said maybe it wasn't that I was healed physically, maybe it was being healed in a different way... perhaps emotionally, perhaps from the pain of divorce, etc. But, that didn't feel quite right to me. I did in fact feel healed, physically, even though I was still experiencing symptoms.

I shared that night that God spoke something pretty incredible to me but I didn't share what it was. I've been trying to figure it out. How could I be healed if I still feel very sick?

Just now it came to me. I was healed... as far as I could be on the medications I was on. They did their job. Now I have to start this next round of treatment to heal me further. It's a process and it takes time and I'm still experiencing symptoms. But, God healed me and He will heal me again. I have to believe in that, and I do.

God told me I am healed and I won't stop believing it. Please join me in prayer for total healing- physically, mentally, emotionally... that any illness that is left in me is removed and by the grace and power of God, I am in fact- 5 years after it all started- healed. Thank you.