As the song says: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”

Jesus is a wonderful friend and so much more than any friend!! He’s always present—ready to help—and never leaves or abandons us.

More from the song “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”:

“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer!

“Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do our friends despise, forsake us? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield us. We’ll find [love and] solace there.”

Peace and blessings, all!!

Sometimes we need lifting up, need a purpose, or a reason for getting up, standing up, taking a stand. For me, it’s always Jesus who brings that hope, energy, capability. He gives us more love to put into action. Ask him; without fail, he’ll bring love to strengthen and help you. Maybe you have your own story to share? ❤️ 💜

Do you have a story of being awakened or being healed? In my holy stories of healing and waking up, it was Jesus who came to my rescue and saved my life, who gave me new life and hope for our future. He was and is my hero and my savior! Wishing you peace with Him and His many blessings!!❤️ 💜

Wishing everyone great joy in Jesus! What a joy it is to know that he’s a healer, a miracle worker, a fighter for justice, a patient teacher, a wise counselor, and he loves me always. He won’t forsake or abandon me or anybody who loves God and people and tries to follow his teachings. He is a bright, bright light in an often very dark world!! His story and words are the strong foundation on which I try to build everything else. Peace and joy in Jesus to you!! ❤️ 💜

My painting “The Spirit of Emory Fellowship” is finished and up on the walls at Emory, on Georgia Avenue in Washington DC. It tells the story of the history of the church over 16O+ years and includes three separate paintings: in chronological order, HOPE IN GOD, WELCOME PEOPLE, and WHOLE LIVES!! It’s good to tell our stories!! ❤️ 💜

People, can we really live like Jesus? Let’s try to share with each other everything we need. ❤️ 💜

Tell somebody your holy story today! And find out how it will bless them and/or how you yourself will be blessed. As God uses living stones for the foundation of his kingdom, so too He can use our living stories!! Share and share some more!! From your heart! ❤️ 💜

Tell your holy story in a Holy Story Circle or to a friend or someone you don’t know; anybody willing to listen will do. The story will bless you and bless the hearers too, to know exactly how you walked with God, followed Jesus and were transformed, or were moved by the Holy Spirit in a new direction. You’ll feel inspired, empowered, and full of joy–believe me!! And always trust that God loves you and will provide and guide. God’s path for you will be clearly revealed. ❤️ 💜

Holy stories can bring hope to so many people discouraged, sad, tired, hopeless, and bombarded/affected by all kinds of adverse circumstances. Discovering and telling our holy stories, hearing those of other people, and raising up each other and all of our stories can mend broken hearts, lift our spirits, and help us feel more heard, seen, and connected to God and one another. Sharing our stories with individuals and our communities is bound to bring lots of joy and empower us in living our lives with God, in love, and in transformation! ❤️💜

So many of us in our community are hungry for food and thirsty for water. Thankfully, the connections we make through telling each other our holy stories can help us find ways to fulfill these material needs.

But many people are also hungry and thirsty for love, hope, justice, community, friendship, learning, companionship, purpose, joy… and so many other yearnings and longings we all experience every day. Holy stories–sharing and lifting them up–have power for living and can heal us and transform our lives in all kinds of different ways. They are like keys that unlock locked boxes and open locked doors. Give an amazing, awesome gift and tell somebody a holy story today!! ❤️ 💜