Meet this week's guest writer, Mary Garner. Mary is a Christian counselor and a writer. She enjoys drinking coffee with her Bible in front of her and a friend beside her. Nothing brings her more joy than reaching out and caring for the hurting people in this world and watching as the words God gives me puts a smile on their face, hope in their hearts, and joy in their life.
Mary will conclude the guest writer series by answering the question, "How is God calling you to be set apart in your current season of life?" I cannot wait for you to read her post. First, a few fun facts to get to know her better:
Coffee or tea & go to drink:
Coffee
Favorite Worship Song:
Britt Nicole- The Lost Get Found
Currently Reading:
Live on Purpose by Sadie Robertson
Here's her answer to "How is God calling you to be Set Apart in your current season of life?
He has called me to be set apart by living a life to help those that other people disregard and label as “too far gone,” “hopeless”, “lost cause,” etc. To reach out to a dark world that is longing for hope. To give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, light to the darkness, and joy to the sad and weary. We live a life set apart when we live a life separate from the world and when we act differently then those around us.
One by one we will fight together instead of against each other.
One by one we will reach down and lend a hand to our enemies.
One by one we will love the least of these.
One by one we will transfer our hurt into hope.
One by one we will forgive those who hurt us with their words.
One by one we will stop blaming and start listening.
One by one we will stop trying to settle the score and stop fighting.
One by one we will reach the finish line and hear “Well done,” by God.
We are to band together under the anthem of God and one by one reach out to the ones that others disregard. The ones who are hurting and broken. The ones with doubts and questions. They are still loved by God and are waiting and searching for someone to love them as He would love. They’re waiting for you and me to be Christ’s hands and feet. Our hug is God reaching down and hugging them. When we walk towards them and look upon them with eyes full of love, they see Christ staring at them. Listen to me…everything that we do counts for eternity. Every word we say and glance we make- either counts for Christ or the devil. It encourages or discourages. It brings someone closer to God or further away. Think about that. Jesus is coming back any moment now and never more have we needed encouragement than right now. Be the one who reflects God’s light and shines it on their life in this dark world."
Mary, thank you for your challenging words. It is so hard, yet so vital to love like Jesus. When it is easy and "acceptable", but more so when it is hard and takes us out of our comfort zones. Keep seeking HIS face and being SET APART for His glory!!!!
I have the pleasure of knowing Mary. We often read articles like this and wonder how accurate they are in the person's every day life. For Mary, every word she wrote is true not only in her heart but in her actions. She tries every day to be the person God would have her to be.
Lisa