This particular morning as I headed out for my walk, I did something new. For the first time, I grabbed the keys and locked the door behind me. My beautiful family was still in bed sleeping and for the first time, I didn't feel safe leaving it unlocked for the 30 minutes I'd be out of the house. - I wear a simple cross around my neck that I received on my last birthday. I love it. I'm a simple girl, it's not flashy, but as I run my errands I'm very aware of the sterling silver symbol that is displayed around my neck. It very quietly expresses that I am a Christian. - These days, my family and I are washing our hands a lot more and using a lot more disinfectant. FEAR or AWARENESS... which side do you lean towards?

When we turn on the news we are bombarded with negativity. The realities of the world we live in are continuously staring us right in the face. As a military family, this is particularly true as we have been identified as a specific target by extremist. The Army put out last week that we are to be "vigilant" and "take precautions" such as limiting who can see our social media profiles, turn of geographic tracking and remove any military affiliation from our accounts. If that wasn't enough, the deadly virus Ebola has entered the US. FEAR. It's our initial reaction to this news. As I was praying about this issue recently, searching for peace, I was reminded of two things. 1. No matter what, God is STILL in control. 2. This is MORE the reason to be a light and Shine bright. THAT'S what I want to focus on today.

I don't bring up these topics to scare anyone. I think it's important that we are aware of what is going on around us and to be vigilant and take precautions, but I don't think it should consume us. We should continue doing what we do.. but I think we should also be aware of the GOOD that we can bring into this crazy world of ours. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The darker this world is, the BRIGHTER your light will shine my friends. If there was ever a perfect moment to do good, it is today. Smile at a stranger, open the door for someone... we all can do something. We can still have HOPE. Hope that the story is not over yet and that the victory belongs to God. Lets not let fear consume us or be the biggest factor in our decisions. We were not created to live in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" We don't have to fear, if we call on God he will protect us (Psalm 34:7). With God on our side, we have the freedom to love and spread that joy to others, to be a light to others in an otherwise dark place.

I know this is not my traditional peppy and health inspired post. I actually wrote this yesterday and sat on it.. in my own fear. But today, I'm posting. I'm posting to remind us all the importance of our light.. that our kindness and love for others is crucial right now. Lets not get consumed or drowned out by the bad news and yuck of this world. Lets shine through it all. Lets be a beacon of light to others. Imagine what one gesture of kindness can do to another persons day? Lets go out and be the light!