Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Dear Father in heaven,

As I read this passage I had an “aha” moment.  The light switch in my brain finally clicked on.   Revelation began to pour into my mind.  Your greatest sacrifice, Jesus’ crucifixion and his own death, was to free the oppressed and give eternal life.  

But yet in today’s life we are surrounded by so much oppression.  Sometimes I am completely embarrassed and ashamed of how I allow the smallest adversity to get me down.  Sometimes I feel powerless hearing the horrible atrocities in the news every day.  

What happened in Syria is beyond comprehension, pure evil.  Acts of war are happening daily around the world.  Broken families, divorce, domestic violence and racial tensions are on the rise.  It’s so easy to feel oppressed even with the simple things.  

I apologize for my lapse of victim mentality.  Sometimes it’s really embarrassing as a Christian, as a child of God following Jesus, to easily forget where I came from and what I have to look forward to; eternal life.  

Thank you for the wake up call, reminding me to change my behaviour, to be grateful,  empowered by your holy spirit and to carry the inherited holy light of hope where ever I go.

You fill me up daily with your grace, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  Amen.