Staying True...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 5:17AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
Susie Larson here...
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
A special thank you to Jo Franz for guest blogging for me last week.
Today I announce the winner of February's gift card giveaway. And the winner is...Carrie Kuiken! What a faithful blogger you are! It's always a pleasure to read your posts. Congratulations, Carrie.
I'll be doing another giveaway in March.
If you take the time to post on my blog in March, you may win a $10.00 gift card to either Caribou or Target (your choice). So drop me a note and say hi!
Now on to my topic.
This morning I read the fascinating story of Catherine Booth, who with her husband, co founded the Salvation Army.
I was incredibly inspired by her grit and perseverance.
In the face of incredible persecution, this once painfully shy woman of God, rose up to be a mighty warrior for Christ and a mighty advocate for the poor and the needy.
Catherine and her husband William were vehemently opposed by the British government because it was believed the Booth's had a political agenda, when in fact, they were simply living out the Gospel.
The name, "Salvation Army" was intended to ridicule the Booths and their work, but they liked the name. In the face of incredible odds and persecution, this once shy and fearful Christ follower proclaimed, "Members of the Salvation Army will fight on, waging war on poverty and injustice wherever we find it."
What's amazing is that the work of Salvation Army, along with Catherine's fiery speeches, led women to give money to the same organizations their husbands were trying to outlaw. (From Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary Faith by Ace Collins; p. 29).
In due time though, the government that scorned them finally embraced them and recognized the impact of their ministry.
Because Catherine stayed true to the Word of God and the call on her life (even while her husband was imprisoned for his faith), she became a history maker and a hero in her time.
Let's read what the Word of God says...
First Corinthians 1:18 says,
I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God
We cannot underestimate the times in which we live.
The current of sin and oppression remains strong.
People lumber through their days as ones with no hope.
But then there's YOU.
You know Jesus.
You have the Power of the Living God in you, on you, and all around you.
He goes before you, He has your back, and He places His hand of blessing upon your head (Psalm 135:9).
You are appointed to help people.
You are appointed to stand in the gap for someone who has less than you.
You are appointed to make someone's day!
Look around.
Ask God to show you His heart for the people who cross your path.
Refuse the harried, busy life to which most have become accustomed.
You are too important for that.
Though integrity falters all around you - you stay true.
Though selfishness is on the rise - you be kind and generous.
Though disputes and useless arguments are status quo - you be the one to forgive an offense.
As the days grow evil - you grow more holy.
As the desperation grows - you provide the answer.
It's no mistake that you are living in these latter days!
You were born for such a time as this.
Be bold, strong, and courageous.
God's Word is true.
Stay true to Him and be the person God intended you to be.
I'll close with this marvelous quote from Catherine Booth, "We are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh, let us be true to our exalted destiny."
Until next week...
Reader Comments (13)
I am still trying to figure out how to make a comment with just three or four sentences. I guess I will keep working on this.
Today I have to tell you how incredible and timely this blog was.
My teenage daughter returned to work last night after several weeks off. She was met instantly with a new co-worker that verbally attacked her...As she stood frozen in the doorway she instantly was faced with two choices. To run,or to press on and stay despite the verbal attacks.
In her young age she chose to press on when everything in her wanted to run.
Thank you for speaking from the depths of your heart.
2 Corinthians 4:4-6The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
God Bless you Susie!!
I am so thankful this post encouraged you. I just love reading about heroes from our past. We live in a day where strength, faith, and courage are required. As one of Sara Groves' songs goes, "When the Saints go marching in...I want to be one of them."Bless you~
Please let me know what you find! I would love to watch a biography on her life.
Thanks for stopping by.
May we, as modern day women, live lives of honor, courage, and nobility.
Amen and amen.
Thanks for sharing that powerful passage. Thanks too for your wonderful prayers. This is a stretching but a powerful time. I hope and pray that you and your family are well!Blessings to you~
Looking forward to meeting you face to face.
See you at Hearts this weekend!
Be blessed~