It’s well-documented that the city of Huntington and the towns that surround it are plagued by problems. Studies and surveys have been done, and the results show that many people here struggle with drugs, depression, poverty and an overall unhealthy lifestyle. These problems are real. The studies and surveys aren’t lying. In the midst of all this darkness, it makes sense that few people seem to have hope.
I count myself among those few.
I used to live in a bubble. I spent my time around people who were just like me. I saw the darkness and shook my head … and sometimes my fist. Then something happened. As I read through the life of Jesus recorded in the Gospels, I discovered that my Savior spent time with people who were not like him. He interacted with people from all walks of life. He called them to follow him; to leave behind their preconceived notions about God and trust in the forgiveness that he offered. When he saw the darkness of sin, he did not shake his head. Instead, he carried light into that darkness. And the only time he displayed anger is when people who knew better twisted God’s ways to benefit themselves.
It’s funny what happens when you read your Bible and ask God to use it to change you. He does exactly that.
My thoughts about people and their problems began to change. I was reminded that I was a person with problems, and that Jesus hadn’t given up on me. He hadn’t given up on them. And neither should I. I stopped writing people off. Stopped labeling people. Started listening more. Started to trust what the Holy Spirit was doing in me.
The bubble began to erode. Don’t get me wrong: I’m human like everyone else and still seem to like my comfort zone way more than I should. But I’ve taken some steps outside of that zone and God has opened my eyes. I’ve been inspired by people who are farther along on this journey than I am. And I’ve embraced people who aren’t just like me.
I see clearer now than before. The darkness is still there, but I am watching as God raises up people to carry the light of His love into the midst of that darkness. And I’m following Him as He leads me to do the same.
So I have hope for our city. I have hope for our smaller communities. God is up to something, and I just want to cooperate with Him. As followers of Jesus, we are carriers of his light. Let’s follow him – wherever he leads – and trust him to transform our region, one person at a time.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Dan Londeree 