"I Have Good News!"

You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deedsand praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

The news is full of non-encouragement lately. Have you noticed? But, the news never has the whole story! The television story has to fit into a sound bite. The radio is even tighter in what it can do. The newspapers only get a snapshot of the story. Stories always change with time. We could put it in a “Anti-Attitude” (the opposite of a Beatitude).

“Unhappy are those who listen to sound bites and think they are getting the truth - for they shall ever be on a downhill roller-coaster ride!!!”

But I have good news for you! When times are tough look to tough, honest people. Nancy Jo King is an example of someone who lives as salt and light. She drives shuttle for the church, leads in the 12-Step, befriends and helps so many people in our community that she deserves a national honor for meritorious service. And she always seems to be there with a strong faith attitude; the kind of attitude which is the bedrock of our church. Yes, she has suffered tragedy in her life, but she follows a God who is so much bigger than any tragedy, setback or crisis. Her faith is unwavering.

Dr. Ray and Joanne Vath are like that as well. I wonder how many thousands of people in our community they have helped? How many people have been helped by those they have trained to help? And how many people their wonderful family has helped because they are in the people-helping profession? They are a light on the hill. Last week, when I was on a run, Dr. Vath called my wife Jackie. He said, “I wanted to give Tim some good news – I know that in times like this – good news is precious.” When Jackie gave me that message I thought, “Blessed are those who not only bear good news in a season when people are gripped by unease, but are the embodiment of good news because they are sweet followers of Jesus Christ.” The good news I have for you is: Our church is full of people like Nancy Jo King and Dr. Ray & Joanne Vath.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Tim White