Stop -- in the Name of Love

 

Remember that old Supremes’ song? “Stop, in the name of love, before I break your heart. Think it over!” It’s not a hymn, but today it feels like a message from God.

Since my husband of 44 years passed away in 2010, I've written 3,775 blogs. Blogging became my mission, a gift from God to bring light to the darkness on social media. The world can be a place of anger, animosity, hate, and pain, but I felt God calling me to be a beacon of hope, sharing His love and sovereignty every day.

This calling gave me a relentless sense of purpose. I lived to blog, driven by the need to share a positive word daily. Ask my family. Ask my dear husband Carl. My passion is intense, almost to a fault. But after marrying Carl and learning from his wisdom, I had a revelation.

Carl suggested I schedule my blogs so I wouldn't have to wake up before dawn. What? Alternatives? This idea became a blessing during our recent 8-day vacation. I pre-scheduled my blogs, and they went live each day without interruption. We had uninterrupted us-time, and my mission continued seamlessly.

For years, I believed my calling was about relentless consistency. If I was somewhere without Wi-Fi, I’d drive miles to find it, convinced that my words were a lifeline for someone in need. How conceited! Forgive me, Lord.

God gently reminded me to “Be still and know that I am God.” This experience taught me the importance of balance. While I will always feel called to share His message, I now understand the need to embrace the life He has given me.

I will forever be on God’s call-of-duty to STOP and write a blog when inspiration strikes. But I also recognize the value of being present, savoring each moment of this beautiful life. By stepping back, I discovered a renewed sense of purpose, wisdom, vigor, and vitality to carry on as God leads and guides.

God's call to all of us is to lift His Son up. John 12:32 says, "And, I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Daily we can choose to lift our Lord up in every area of our lives. In our families and friends, in our careers, marriages and on social media, we can be all about lifting our Lord up in a world that needs His love so much!

May we all continue to be a light, sharing God’s sovereignty and love in this world. If not you and me, who will?

I'll see you again tomorrow, my dear and faithful friends! You make my day, every day!