When there are times of uncertainty, like what our world is facing right now, I often turn to reading inspirational talks in order to help me feel better. The talk I read today was by Marvin J. Ashton called “Peace”. It was so powerful I had to share an excerpt of a story shared in it with all of you – I hope it’s message brings you as much peace as it did me today.
“Many years ago I heard a story that impressed me. I share it with you today as I endeavor for a few minutes to direct your thinking toward the important word peace. A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, “Let me give you a little rest,” and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap.
A few moments later the father said to her, “Do you know who is holding you?”
“No,” she replied, “but you do.”
Some might be inclined to say, “What a perfect trust this child had in her father.” Others may say, “What a wonderful example of love.” And still others might say, “What an example of faith.” To me it indicates a beautiful blending of all of these principles, which brought a priceless inner peace to the child. She knew she was safe because she knew her father knew who was holding her. Affection, respect, and care over the years had placed in this little girl’s heart a peace that surpasseth all understanding. She was at peace because she knew and trusted her father.
We plead for peace in our prayers and thoughts. Where is peace? Can we ever enjoy this great gift while wars, rumors of wars, discord, evil, and contention swirl all around us? The answer is yes. Just as the little blind girl sat on the stranger’s lap with perfect contentment because her father knew him, so we can learn to know our Father and find inner peace as we live his principles.
…Our trust and our relationship with our Heavenly Father should be one similar to that of the little blind girl and her earthly father. When sorrow, tragedy, and heartbreaks occur in our lives, wouldn’t it be comforting if when the whisperings of God say, “Do you know why this has happened to you?” we could have the peace of mind to answer “No, but you do.” (end of excerpt
At times like these, turning inward and upward is a powerful tool to help bring peace. Turning inward to evaluate what we ourselves can be doing better and turning upward to ask God for help and strength.
This coming Sunday, March 29th, an invitation has been extended for everyone worldwide to participate in a day of fasting and prayer to pray for relief from the physical, emotional, and economic effects of this global pandemic. Thing of the power it will have if all of us worldwide unite our faith to plead for physical, spiritual, and other healing throughout the entire world! Nothing could be more powerful or bring us greater peace.
~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )