Mensajes de Esperanza

We are barely a few hours from the end of 2017. A year, which like others, has brought us joys and sorrows; successes and failures; challenges and innumerable blessings. With the imminent arrival of a new year, regularly, most people, we take time to look forward and we wonder what the future will bring. Contemplating the future, can be something that fills us with much joy and expectations, but, also, it can be something that causes us anxiety and even fear. For some, the future may seem to be full of opportunities, but for others, the future is presented with challenges and complications. Then, in the face of uncertainty about the future (with its opportunities and challenges), it is very important that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we assume the correct attitude. We may not be able to do much to change the circumstances we must face in life, but, THE ATTITUDE with which we face them - MAKES AN ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE.

Read in the Bible: 1 Samuel 17:32-47 Almost 5 years ago, our region was hit by Hurricane Sandy - an unprecedented storm for this generation here in NJ. For many, this was the first time they felt the force of the sea and the winds as it manifested during the afternoon and evening of that October 29 th . The day after the storm, we all woke up to new and somber reality. Something no one ever imagined living, especially for those in towns closer to the Jersey Shore. The photos and videos being shared on the TV looked like they were from a horror movie. The number of deaths reported was more than our minds could process. Very soon, the magnitude of the damage and the needs began to emerge: millions without electricity, thousands of refugees in shelters outside their homes, lack of the most basic needs (drinking water, food, and clothing). Floods, massive damage to property, people had no heat - the list seemed endless. Back then, I was serving in Oasis UMC in Ple...