by Teresa J. Herbic
Once I was lost, but now am found, “Amazing Grace,” John Newton
Childhood can be a life-directing time for us. Some have an abundant, happy childhood, while others barely survive. Some of you may remember John Newton, best known for writing one of history’s most deeply moving hymnals, “Amazing Grace.” You may know the story of his inspiration to write the song, however, many are not familiar with his childhood struggles.
By age six, John hit a rough patch of vast affliction. His mother, an exceptionally spiritual woman, lost her life to tuberculosis. His father, a ship commander, sent John away to boarding school shortly after when he remarried. At school, John suffered mistreatment. He also felt all alone like an orphan. So at age eleven, John rejoined his father on board his father’s ship.
Later, he boarded a different ship, one that ran the Sierra Leone coast. There, he served as a slave trader. It turned out to be a horrendous experience for John. He was brutally abused. In early 1748, another sea captain rescued John. Eventually, he became the captain of his own slave ship. During one violent storm, he attempted to steer to safety. Many believed the ship would sink. Instead, he experienced deliverance. He wrote in a journal when all seemed lost, he shouted, “Lord have mercy on us!"* He pondered this later and began to realize that God’s grace prevailed for him. From that moment on, he felt an indomitable spirit, clinging to May 10, 1748 as the anniversary of his conversion. Newton once said in his humility, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”[1]
* * *
Do you recall the moment you were first saved by His Holy Hand? May the mercy of the Lord minister to you as we pray:
Thank You God for opening our eyes to see. For I was lost, but now am found so I thank You!
What can a smile do--inside and out?
* It breaks the tension of a room or even a video meeting.
* It lets others know you are human; they are human, so let us relate to one another as
human beings.
* It reminds us that we are fortunate to live and breathe and do life together.
* It communicates our positive demeanor to others no matter what.
* It shares compassion and vision with hopeful hearts.
* It takes away the bitter and frustration that sometimes plagues conversations.
* It breaks down walls, builds villages, and grows businesses—whether online or in person.
* It makes the world a better place.
May your heart smile today and every day! And may you see the benefits of always sharing
a joyful heart!
#smilealways #successfulbusiness #positivemindset
Image Compliments: Unsplash
Are you a poet? A writer? A marketer? An entrepreneur? A business or non-profit leader?
God’s Will and Not Our Own…
And with it: a “Season of Miracles”
On occasion, we wonder why God’s will doesn’t seem to match our own. This can be the case with any of the frustrations, sorrows, and uncertainties of life. Let’s face it, Friends and Family, today—there are many weariness symptoms of life. And although I, too, am saddened by the recent tragedies and tribulations of this world, I firmly believe with all of my heart and soul that God is turning a corner…
Into a “Season of Miracles…” A time when no man or woman, no leader, and no person on the planet will be able to explain the Glories of God—only that they are simply that—God’s Glory Known and Fulfilled. So, stay with me on the journey…Be diligent with your purpose….Choose God instead of the world’s bitterness, anger, and retaliation…
May God’s mission in Jesus Christ be fulfilled indeed. Praise be to Jesus!
Whatever you are or whatever you plan for your life, your purpose becomes your legacy. And your positivity and presence matter!
Here's a heartfelt message from Tyler Perry that will have an impact on your life....starting today!
https://lnkd.in/eMdkJ5cr
#Motivation #Inspiration #PositiveLeadership