From the President’s Desk:
Peace in the Storm
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid
it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give
me death!”
---Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry’s famous quote in the time of the Revolutionary War was more of an affirmation of action to secure basic freedoms than a desire for a time of tranquility or freedom from
stress, or a place of rest.
Peace that we Christians seek is not the same as the peace sought by the secular world who
would be looking for the three basic qualities as defined above. To assume we will never encounter trials and tribulations is unrealistic. In our lives they are a part of our journey. How
we respond to them is the way we build our character and strengthen our relationship with our
God. The peace Christ gives is the assurance, regardless of circumstances, that He will strengthen us through the Holy Spirit.
I am not advocating that you address any trouble, stress or any trial lightly but rest in the
assurance of His presence to get you through. It is the peace that passes all understanding that
can be yours if you allow Him to be your helpmate.
Our peace can be maintained even in these turbulent times as we struggle to identify the
potential presidential candidates to lead our nation. In these perilous times, we need to remember that God gave His people Saul because they wanted a King. So how did that work out? Be
careful for whom you ask.
Our solutions should always be prefaced with the basic concepts of prayer, followed by identification of the real problems, the resources available and the time to utilize all the factors in a
process that hopefully brings closure.
During all this reflection, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. How often
have you heard people say they do not understand how people can stay so calm and focused
during troubling times? The stabilizing force is the peace and assurance of His witness manifested through us…if we know Him.
Joe Hale