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Friends United Meeting |
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January/February 2002
Valiant for Truth
By Trish Edwards-Konic
How can we be Valiant for Truth in these days?
For me, Lisa Beamer's witness shines forth. Her husband assisted in disabling the terrorists' plans for downed Flight 93 on September 11. Lisa has now become a 32-year-old widow, with 2 children and expecting a third this month.
Yet, she remains confidant God had a plan for her husband's life and has a plan for her life right now. She faces the world courageously knowing that God brings good out of evil and will ultimately bring good out of this tragedy for her family. Of the many donations flowing to her because of publicity, Lisa has even established a fund to help all the children whose parents lost their lives on that plane.
She inspires my heart! In interviews, her face is radiant reflecting Christ to those whom she speaks. Being Valiant for Truth often just means letting our lives speak.
Even though I know in my head that God has a plan for me and that I am walking it out, I tend to be more of an Elijah under the broom tree or a Jeremiah full of lamentations. My countenance during struggles often reflects tears more than joy.
The place I find strength during adversity in order to face the world with courage is through prayer. Extended periods of prayer are wonderful but during difficult times, the bulk of my prayer life occurs between these extended times.
I would love to be like the Nuns who pray the news, but my activities keep me too busy. I pray in snatches, on the run, before a phone call (or during a difficult one), at any odd moment of the day.
Is this not what Paul referred to when he wrote "Pray without ceasing"? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Or what Thomas Kelly was referring to by living from a Divine Center? Kelly explains it this way:
"There is a way of life so hid with Christ in God that in the midst of the day's business one is inwardly lifting brief prayers, short ejaculations of praise, subdued whispers of adoration...One can live in a well-nigh continuous state of unworded prayer, directed toward people and enterprises we have on our heart..."
Being Valiant for Truth means establishing this way of life hid in Christ.
It means...
Praying without ceasing
Trusting in God's plan
Letting our lives speak.
Copyright (c) 2002 Friends United Meeting
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