Overcoming the world

 

      What would it take for you to blossom in the midst of hardship?

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Heroes of Faith

                                           
 

The Scriptures talk about heroes of faith in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, but I thought of some people who have made an impact on my life as a believer. First, it begins with my grandfather. He lived and walked the footsteps of Christ. He was a man that met no stranger that he didn't like. A man that thought of others first and then himself.  He was kind and gentle.

Second, I think of Sister Robert Ann. My fifth grade science teacher. She introduced me to the idea that I could have a relationship with God.  She believed in me by allowing me to share the gifts God had given me. My true hero is the one that knows me better than I know myself. The one who has been with me through hardships and good times. The one who has, I know, forgiven me and through whom I have learned to forgive myself – that is God.

One never knows who they will meet along their life's journey. We may come across many people that we can call our heroes of faith. When God puts you in a certain place (like St. Barnabas) and places people and a priest that inspires you, encourages you through her teachings of the Gospel of Christ and strives for you to become the person God expects you to be, I call  people like that my heroes of faith as well..

So, who are your Heroes of Faith?

                                                                                                                         Lorraine Lee

South Africa Trip

Recently, Dave and I made a trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was one of the most exciting trips we have made. We visited Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Langa in South Africa. We also traveled to Zimbabwe, where we were chased by baboons and saw the beautiful Victoria Falls.

One of the absolutely insane things we did was to do the “Zip Line” across the gorge at the top of the falls. I say insane because no one in their right mind would actually pay to be thrown over a cliff to fly about 300 feet above water. At least, that is what I kept telling myself as they put the harness on me.                                         
Take a look at the evidence of this event.

It was very scary for me because I do not like heights of any kind. We had to stand on this little platform and attach to this cable line. Dave and I did it tandem, because even though I may be crazy, I am not stupid. I was not going to do this alone. You talk about taking a leap of faith ---- well, once I committed to dying ---- there was such a peace that came over me when I finally realized the harness I was in held and I was going to be okay. Hey, is there a sermon coming on????? All in all, Dave and I enjoyed the trip immensely. If you ever want to see all the pictures we took (about 400) we would love to share them with you.

I thank all of my St. Barnabas family for allowing me to take the time to go. Thanks to the Reverend Marcia McCrae for filling in two Sundays for me. My hope is that everyone who reads this Blog will get a chance to travel to South Africa and Victoria Falls some day. ......And take your own "leap of faith".

Peace, Denise+