Likely most of us would agree 2020 has been a tumultuous year. In the midst of the storm many voices have been clamoring to be heard - Mine included. I need to be cautious about what I have to say and when. And I must take heed to when it is best NOT to listen to my own voice. For some of you this may not be difficult, but I do not share that confidence.
For many weeks now my heart has been contemplating Matthew 5:14 - 16, which says this, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Darkness cannot extinguish the light. In fact, the deeper the darkness the brighter the light becomes.
The Lord has been speaking to me. And I have been trying to listen. I must admit that the political atmosphere of our nation has made it difficult for me to hear His voice. I've been grieving over what has been taking place and sometimes I've been outraged and confused. How could such a thing happen in America? God reminds me that since the fall of mankind we have been warring with each other. This is not new and as Solomon has been known to say, "There is nothing new under the sun."
I admire those willing to step into battle. Where would we be without people like Candace Owens, Dan Bongino, Lin Wood and Sidney Powell? I pray for them and many others who are on the front lines. But I am not one of them. My time for those kind of battles is past, for the most part. Yet, I am still a servant of God and long to do my best for Him wherever He calls me.
I've been praying, asking for discernment, wisdom and direction. It has been something like this - Lord, what is it that you want from me? Each time I hear, I want you to be a light.
And so, that is what I will endeavor to do. One place where I can share the light of Christ to the broadest audience is on Facebook, at least for now. It is not easy for me to remain or to leave. I have many good friends on the site. However, the man who created and built the social network is not someone I admire nor do I wish to contribute to his wealth. However he offers me a place to shine the Light of Christ. And so I have decided to remain a part of the Facebook community until powers who control the site remove me or the Lord tells me to go.
When I made an announcement that I would be leaving I heard from many of you and I listened and prayed about what you had to say. You helped me make my decision.
My purpose on Facebook is to enjoy friendships and to be an encouragement to others. And no matter where I connect with humanity I strive to hear what the Lord wants of me. I love God and want to tell others about Him and His Son, Jesus. Oh, how He loves us.
Politics is something of interest to me. I am sometimes passionate about what is taking place in that realm, however I feel a need to disengage from that conversation, somewhat. I do believe that followers of Christ need to speak up and I will when I have given it thought and prayer. I want to contribute in a positive way wherever I find myself. And I do not want to disgrace My Father. I'm not so young these days and to be truthful the conflict takes a toll on me. I will leave much of it to those with more energy to share.
I am looking forward to finding and reengaging with my friends on Facebook and discovering new places to connect in positive ways with my human brothers and sisters around the globe. There are so many possibilities in this world.
I will continue to pray, seeking God's will for my life and I would love to pray for you too. Let me know how I can do that. It's easy to leave me a note here on this page or privately on my Website at www.bonnieleon.com or my private messenger on Facebook or on my MeWe account.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Welcome back--glad you weren't gone too long! What you say is a blessing to others--for sure. Glad you know it! God can use us, and what we are, say, and do no matter where he places us in life--and it is good, if we're HIS. You are HIS! <3 I cannot say 2020 has been tumultuous. It's been quiet for me and I am thankful.
ReplyDeleteHi there. It has been tumultuous for us. So much tough stuff here and so much going on. I'm hoping for a more serene 2021, but I'm not counting on it.
DeleteAnd I wasn't even gone. I was busy setting up a new site, and stopped in a little less, but I was there. I had planned on stepping out on Friday, but after prayer and messages from people who cared I decided it's not time yet. God can use us in all sorts of places and FB is one of those for me at this time. And I have so many great friends there. I would miss all of you. Hugs to you, friend.
You are a strong and faithful woman of God. I’m glad that you feel confident in speaking your heart. How many of the prophets in the Old Testament didn’t agree, or choose where they were sent to share God's saving love. Facebook and your novels are a stage for you to share that love. Thank you for using your talents that God has given you.
ReplyDeleteSue, thank you for your kind words. I don't always feel strong or faithful, but I do my best to trust and to lean on God. He is my strength. Without Him I'd be a noodle. I am working on some new way to reach out, but I'm getting kind of old and so is my brain so I'm praying I can get it all figured out. And in the meantime I have a book to finish too.
DeletePraying for special blessings to you this Christmas season.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your Facebook posts. I'm glad you are staying on FB. Blessings all around!
ReplyDeleteDeanne, thank you for your kind words. I am continuing to pray about where my Father has called me and am doing my best to listen to Him. May you be richly blessed and know the peace only He can give.
Delete