This morning I had the pleasure of listening to a truly remarkable man, Reverend Cannon Andrew White, talk about Jesus – or more specifically how Jesus can offer happiness regardless of one’s surroundings, and to emphasize his point he shared his experiences as the Vicar of Baghdad. Andrew pastors at St. George’s Anglican Church, the only Anglican church in Baghdad, and if you have a few minutes you should Google it (frrme.org/) because the outreach they perform on a daily basis is absolutely astounding. What struck me most was when during his all too brief message he mentioned that he is often asked how it is that his Iraqi congregation could be so happy when literally thousands of them have been lost to the unchecked violence of terrorism that has besieged Iraq’s capital city over the years. He replied simply, “Jesus will make you happy,” and went on to underscore his point by slipping a hat on his head bearing the logo, “Happy, Happy, Happy.” He’s right of course and I often lose sight of that fact. Naturally, it doesn’t mean I’m impervious to pain or sorrow and it doesn’t mean I won’t mourn when I lose someone close to me. It also does not mean I won’t experience anxiety, frustration, or even outright fear at times; it does, however, offer me reassurance that Jesus will make me happy when I turn to him regardless of my circumstances. This isn’t something offered lightly since I realize some of you are facing trials I cannot begin to understand – nor would I wish to, but three things I am absolutely certain of is that, 1) Jesus loves you, 2) through Him all things are possible and, 3) when you’re ready He will make you happy. It may take time and that’s okay; Jesus is patient. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to reach out to your family, your friends, and your church because that’s what we’re here for. So don’t worry, be…well, you know the rest.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 20:07:37 +0000
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