When I became a mom, all I wanted was for my children to healthy, safe, and God loving. The idea that they would experience pain, suffer or struggle was far from my mind, but this is life. It is a part of life I would rather my children not have to experience.
At a recent graduation commencement, the student speaker shared a story about studying abroad. When it was time for her to return to the United States, she was heartbroken. A native woman took her hands and told her, “This is life.”
This reminded me of a time when my young son was struggling. He had encountered some bullying at school and wasn’t himself. I was angry that he had to go through this and was angry at God for letting it happen. In a time of prayer and maybe some ranting at God, I heard, “This is his story.”
13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5: 13-16 MSG)
I don’t like the idea of my children having their own life challenges that become their testimony. This is life applies to all of us. We all have a testimony. We are all called to share about God’s work in our lives. While I don’t want my children to suffer, I do want them to be salt and light in the world.
What is your testimony? Are you salt and light? Share your story here to breathe life and bring hope to others.