Please keep in mind every human being on this planet is often fighting a battle we know nothing about. “Bibbers” and I was just recently talking about that every one has a story. Often those stories are filled with set backs, tragedy, and loss. Some are filled with pain, and not all physical pain.

These holidays are not always fun, or merry for everyone. As I have shared in a previous post, some are facing the holidays without dear loved ones. Some may be going through a painful separation, or divorce. Some parents have very ill children or family members. Some good parents are being alienated from their children, to whom they love unconditionally. Some are in financial duress due to an accident, illness, or job loss…

So may I humble ask, as I am asking myself, to extend a bit more patience and grace to others. Others that may not seem as jolly, lacking patience, or even seemingly rude as we do not know how their day is going, their week has gone, or even the year or two they may have lived through. Maybe instead we express an authentic compliment, leave a tip with a note of encouragement, or simply ask them how they are doing, and if you may pray for them.

Maybe you whom may be reading this is hurting, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. Maybe you yourself have run out of patience, or you are angry or overwhelmed with sadness that you cannot seem to bring forth a smile, or extend a word of encouragement to others, as you are too discouraged. I want you to know that I get it. However, know that you are not alone. That others have been in your shoes, and God knows your pain. Jesus wept over the anguish and sorrow you have or are enduring. It’s the shortest verse in the bible in the book of John, but for one of the most profound meanings. May I humbly ask that you allow others to come along side of you, to provide a listening ear, to provide friendship, and to pray with and for you. Allow them to express and share wise words of comfort, and encouragement. Do not with draw and put yourself in solitary confinement. Do not push that anger, and sadness down to where it becomes a root of bitterness that later blows up, or chokes the life out of you.

If you have read this far, thank you. My goal in most all of my writings, podcasts, and youtube channel is to somehow encourage, inspire, and entice others to think a bit deeper about their eternal souls, as well as their physical, mental, and spiritual health. To share whatever knowledge and wisdom I have gained through my years on earth in an authentic and relatable way, in addition to sprinkling a bit of humor as laughter is good medicine.

I often do not know what impact my writings, and media has on others. My YouTube channel only has 256 subscribers and 90% of the viewers are not, or do not subscribe. Unfortunately, most “Christian” related podcast and YouTube channels do not get many subscribers, or views, and shadowing banning is a real thing.

I have thought to hang it all up wondering if it is all worth the efforts. At one point I did for months after investing over 5 years in a ministry I felt called that ended in a disappointing and somewhat both shocking and heartbreaking manner. Then someone reaches out to me to say a story from SATURDAY SIT DOWN changed their life, or at least their perspective on it. Then someone told me that the videos helped them through a divorce, while another stated it helped them “off the edge”. Another said they learned a great deal about books of the bible and living out a life closer to God, and wondered why I had stopped. Others have shared it made them smile, laugh, or simply made their day and that they looked forward to each podcast and youtube channel video for the inspiration. Then when I did, or at times thought of hanging it all up, I think of those whom shared those words with me, and the two Christian friends whom reminded me that if just one life is improved, or one soul comes into, or back to a relationship with the Creator, then it is all worth it. We as believers, whether we are content creators, pastors, or in any occupation, hobby, or gift God may have bestowed up on us, we do not do it for the approval of humanity, or to our own selves, or “fleshly” gain; we are to have our focus that we do it unto God.

Therefore, for those whom may be struggling, below is a video devotional that I did a couple years ago while touring parks that I would like to share with you. I share some bible verses, a story, speak about pain, both physical, and emotional. May it, the verses, and the worship music video, (link in the description), encourage you, as it encouraged me during what I called a “Perfect Storm” in my own life. Maybe share it with others, and know that you are loved by a Heavenly Father in and through your storms of life. And this holiday season may we all extend more grace, and kindness while realizing we do not know what battle someone else may be facing or enduring.

Thank you.

Blessings and Shalom

Numbers 6:24-26