Circle of Trust

CoT

Why did we do what we just did? Why on the  Eve of mankind’s symbol of hope, the theme of our workout is about feeding starving children?

I could tell you sad stories of my childhood, growing up in deprived family conditions in a third world country.

But why would I do that?

I could tell you that growing up as an orphan, I don’t remember opening a single Christmas present, and my most memorable and joyful Christmas was when I tasted a dried prune from a green box labeled Del Monte. It’s supposed to have come from America, and it was bought from the black market. I had one single piece. And it was glorious. 

But why would I tell you that story?

I could tell you that growing up in a country with one of the world’s poorest economy, I started working at ten years old, and continue to work to pay for school. I graduated college, had a first love at 18, only to have my young heart broken by that first love. She thought her best chance of living a decent life was to marry an American Navy serviceman she met at a naval station back home. She professed her never-ending love to me a week  before her wedding. In truth, she says, she’s marrying him to escape our poor life. 

Why would I tell that story?

I could tell you that as a young father, I left my country and a nine month old baby daughter to come to Chicago. I endured the pain of being separated from her – missing her first word, her first steps, her hugs and kisses. I endured 10 years of not watching her excitement and laughter opening presents on Christmas. All in the hope of preparing a better future for her here in America.

Why would I tell you that?

Because every single human is by divine grace, endowed their own unique burden, their load to carry. Our cross to bear is what makes up our life story, and molds who we are and what we become.

We all know that our lives are difficult. For some, their lives are almost impossible to live. I could tell you no matter what condition our lives are in, that God raises us up above any mountain of difficulty.

I speak only of these words based on faith. Like most men, it escapes my comprehension to see the rhyme or reason why our lives are painful and broken.

We know we live in a world of suffering, pain, struggle and deprivation. If God really loves us why didn’t He send a great economist to fix it?

Why didnt He send a great scientist to fix famine in numerous countries? Why didn’t He send a great psychologist to fix our mental and emotional problems? Why didn’t He send a great statesman to fix the political turmoil among nations or a great theologian to unite all religions?

I don’t know.

I do believe that God sent His son, Jesus because what we need is Grace and Forgiveness. Above all, this is what we need.

Man are there for each other to figure out their differences, and can solve their problems on their own – with the help of other men 

My life was full of trials, struggles and difficulties. I have overcome them not solely through my own, but with much help from others whom God used as an instrument to help me overcome. 

Even as we speak, I believe God brought you here with me, today and in the future, to help me overcome and become a better man. 

Today, God used each of us as an instrument to ease the suffering of a tearful child who sometimes go to sleep while hungry and sick. 

Tonight, this child will lay down with a smile on his or her face, soundly sleep  dreaming sweet dreams that God intended. 

Let us continue to be an instrument of Hope for the less fortunate children of God.

Pray for Rob, Donna, Jeff and Liz and Randy Levin for healing from failing health and strengthen their spirits.

In Jesus name, amen.