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Each of us either have, are now, or will, in the future, face difficult times in our lives. Anyone that has had the chance to view the Racestud message board recently will be aware of this.
I am not referring to some of the issues that have been a part of the racing game forever, those will be here for as long as we race, and though important, probably merit less time and concern than they receive.
There is an area that has been on the increase, and needs to be thought about with great concern. This is heath issues of the racers and their families, For some it is medical, others accidents, not to mention financial problems.
Keeping a positive spirit in tough times is one of the most difficult battles we have, so if we all could try to say encouraging and uplifting things when we can, rather than having the desire to keep things stirred up, it just may encourage those that need to hear something positive.
For many years I was one that would think that if I could stir someone’s negative emotions, I was being “cute”, not realizing that most of what I said or did was causing someone pain when they already had more than they needed. Then one day it was my turn to be on the receiving end of unkind words and actions. It was then I knew my actions were not what God wanted.
Now I make every effort to choose my words and actions more wisely and be an encourager rather than a messenger of the negative. I was once told to make my words sweet because I would never know when I would have to eat them.
Please let me list a few of the real needs and places you can be a messenger of encouragement as opposed to causing strife. Here are names of our racing family that each of us can help in some way: Art Osmer, Wes Osmer, Heather Lynch, McGarvey family, Fenton family, Jim Davis,Tom Paxton, Jeff Shrum, Moose, McClay family, Bob Howard, Marsha, Dan Fennel, Paul Oyler…
The list is greater than this, and the hearts that are hurting need our prayers. Take a few minutes to make a call, send a card, stop and say hello. This is one way that we can help them maintain a positive spirit in their tough times.
We will never be without problems, however, we will always have a solution, but first we need to call on Jesus for our support and answers. Try this today and watch how things seem to get a little brighter for you as well as those you pray for.
Here is God’s phone number – Jeremiah 33:3
Look it up in God’s book and follow the instructions, click on the red letters.
Trusting Jesus,
Chaplain Bill