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A devotional perspective based on Mark 10:46-52 NIV  Bartimaeus receives his sight.

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In the above Bible passage, a blind man named Bartimaeus called out to Jesus as He and His disciples passed by.  The man cried out to Jesus to help him, to heal him.  We’re told that when he learned it was Jesus passing by, (v. 46)… he began to shout “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!  48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” and Jesus healed him.  Jesus told him “your faith has healed you.” 

As I read this passage, I thought, good for Bartimaeus for shouting out all the more! If he had allowed the nay sayers and doubters, those trying to repress him, to hold him back, then he would have lived the rest of his life in blindness and the resulting abject poverty!

His faith healed him and it was his faith that gave him the courage and tenacity to keep seeking what he needed, against opposition, and get connected with the source of power that would transform his life.  Indeed, his faith healed him. Never be afraid to speak out even against opposition, to declare what you need and get connected to help and whatever is necessary and helpful to bring the abundant life your faith enables you to see. It took a blind man to see what others couldn’t- the good life he knew awaited.

Does that mean things were instantly easy? Of course not.  He was starting from scratch having been a beggar his whole life.  He had much catching up to do, but he must have had so much joyous energy and rejuvenation to do the hard work ahead because he was given his sight!!

Take your healing and help from God, renew your energy and go burst on the scene with fervor and faith! The outstretched hand of God is always there waiting for you to take the help, even if opposition is very daunting and discouraging.  And watch out for those distractions! Stay focused and determined.

Get Outside and Breathe

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Since Monocacy Park (Illick’s Mill) in Bethlehem is right on my way home from work, I’ve stopped there for a walk and to take some photos fairly often over the last few years. It’s important to make the time to get some fresh air and sunshine and just take a breath and clear your mind.

I’ve been undergoing relentless harassment over the last 7 or 8 years, called gangstalking, so it’s all the more important to decompress as much as possible. Does it totally work as much as I’d like? Unfortunately, no, but it’s a choice that I make to do my best to find something positive to focus on and put the bullshit out of my mind, at least for a moment. Even if I keep having to do that over and over in a short span, it’s worth the effort. Even when someone is deliberately trying to piss you off and steal your joy from everything you do, they can only succeed as much as you allow.

God is way more powerful than they are, and God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Some folks will just never understand that. Bullies are pathetic cowards. So, without further focus on the negatives I was dealing with, here’s some photos I took.

Keeping On, Part 2: Recharging

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In part 1, I wrote about how routines can help build a foundation for action and growth. I continue striving to do that as I have for the last year plus. But some days I’m just not feeling it. Today was one of those days. I was very tired and didn’t have much positive interaction through my day. Actually, I didn’t have a lot of interaction at all. I had to get some groceries. Not my favorite chore. Still, I did all the usual stuff: feeding the critters, watering plants, devotions and all that after work and the grocery store, and checking in on my mom via text. Still, it was a nice warm late summer day and I managed to take a short walk around the neighborhood after dinner. I plan to do more of that. It’s good to be familiar with your surroundings.

Funny thing is, I didn’t plan on a walk and I haven’t been doing that. So, something new sprung up even on a day when I was just going through the motions, emotionally. I have thought about walking around here recently, but didn’t get around to it. So, I guess my subconscious nudged me where I needed to go. I’ll continue to enjoy walks at parks and other places, but walking near home is a nice way to take a breather.

Isolation is not good for our mental health, so get out there and do stuff, whatever that might be. Not every day is a thrill and we can’t feel joyful or excited 100% of the time, but by keeping on, you can make the mediocre days nothing more than that. Mediocre is way better than depressing or discouraging, and you’ll be back to joyful or at least content that much sooner because you kept up the stuff you have control over.

Hey, look at that! Tomorrow is Hump Day already. Things are moving. Keep on being you, keep on being, keep on doing, keep on.