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Regina McIntosh's avatar

In my poetry, I find myself using "light" so often. I believe He is the light. He abides within, a shining light. He abides in heaven, lighting heaven. He is light and love and life. Love this post. so precious!!!! God bless you!

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Deborah Rutherford's avatar

Preparing my heart to be ready for God has been on my heart to bear His good fruit. Thanks for pointing me to shining His Light as a wonderful fruit.

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Paul Christopher's avatar

Glad to encourage one another. Everyone needs a little light to brighten each day. Thank you for comment and kindness.

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Deborah Rutherford's avatar

So true and thank you.

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Chuck Phillips's avatar

Liked the thoughts about cultivating openness, so much opportunity there!

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John E. Dobbs's avatar

Surprised Job contains so many references to Light!

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Paul Christopher's avatar

Yes that was a surprise to me as well, I didn’t dive into that but that is very interesting.

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Michelle Romano's avatar

Yes, I agree about being the light. Shining our light now especially... So many people are hurting now in our nation and globally.

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Paul Christopher's avatar

So true Michelle. Everyone needs the light of His kindness.

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Cindie Thomas's avatar

I love this reminder…we are to be light in this world we live in. I facilitate 2 women’s bible studies and I have a couple of women who don’t speak up much…I suspect they could offer a lot but maybe have been judged in the past. I pray that I can continue to encourage them to share their thoughts and that I will listen well!

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Paul Christopher's avatar

Thanks Cindie. Everyone has value and a story and I know love others so well, pray those ladies develop confidence to share and be a light to others.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Your personal story resonated with me.

I grew up in a family of six—four kids, two parents. In our home, you asked before taking anything. Food, supplies, even leftovers. Part of it was practical. We didn’t have much, and you never knew if something was being saved for a meal or someone else. But more than that, it was about respect. Living with a lot of people teaches you to be mindful of others.

Now, after more than twenty years of marriage, I still ask my wife before grabbing something from the fridge or pantry. Early on, it used to drive her a little crazy. “Why do you keep asking me if you can have something?” she’d say. “If it’s there, just eat it.”

But to me, that’s not really what consideration looks like. Being thoughtful means pausing long enough to ask, even when it’s not required. It means staying aware that someone else might have a reason for needing it more.

I’m still thankful my parents instilled that habit in me. It taught me to think beyond myself. That mindset gave me a solid foundation—not just as a husband, but as a father too.

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Paul Christopher's avatar

Wonderful training and such practical application to everyday situations. It’s so neat how early childhood instruction stays with us for a long time. My story highlights my own need to be less selfish and considerate of others. I might go with your style - ask - ask and ask again. Thanks Jason for commenting and sharing. You’re a wise man with all that experience.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Ha! I'm not sure how wise I am, but I do think I get a little bit wiser each year.

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Obosa Imade's avatar

Thank you for this word. Indeed light reveals. It reveals us to us, it reveals God to us. And the more we stand in His light, the more His light shines in and through us. A very big shout out Andrea Brown and Joshua for extending their light and warmth to me here.

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Andrea Brown's avatar

Paul, this message resonates with me in many ways. About a month ago, I wrote in my journal that light is not derived from the sun, but rather from the Son, based on Genesis 1:3-4.

This realization also brings me a much-needed conviction. I often hesitate to share what I’m experiencing while I’m in the midst of it because I feel vulnerable and weak during my trials. I've come to understand that the testimony of God’s kindness should not be reserved for times when I’m out of the valley; it is essential to share it as He guides me through the journey.

Pride and fear of rejection have held me back from sharing during my moments of suffering.

Today, I choose to express my confession here so that healing can begin. I ask for your prayers to be strengthened as I walk this out. 🙏🏾

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