Dear Friends,

I was visiting with Don Cassidy today. Several years ago Don suffered a severe stroke and he is largely home-bound now, but his mind is as sharp as ever, so I asked his advice on what to write for our September Shingle. “Never give up,” he said at once. “Every morning when I open my eyes and see a new day, I thank God. Whatever we have to go through, God will see us through. You tell them that.” Don’s in good company. Winston Churchill famously said, “Never, never, never give up.” The Bible tells us that, too. Here are just a few of the verses on perseverance:

One who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

We consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11

I read an online article in which the author described the perseverance of her sister, who is mentally challenged. She was determined to learn to drive and get a license despite her handicap:

She studied the driver's handbook determined to have her goal fulfilled; she made it her mission in life. I knew in the past when she wanted to learn something she did learn. It just took her a little longer than the average person. So I had hope that she would pass the test and get her license, but I was nervous for her the day she went. My sister got every question correct; then she proceeded to pass her driving portion with no problems. Twenty some odd years later she is still driving when she can borrow my mother's car. If you see some lady actually driving the speed limit and stopping at each light as she should; it may be my sister. She is a very careful driver and is very observant of all the road rules. A quote from an unknown author says it well: "When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."

The Nature of Perseverance, by Genie Walker, August 30, 2007

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/364511/the_nature_of_perseverance.html?cat=17

This fall, as we gear ourselves up for another year of commitment to our church and our faith, let us be inspired by the great cloud of witnesses in our midst who show us what courage in perseverance really is, and keep running the race the Lord has set before us. The Lord will give us the strength we need, and see us through. Have faith in that.

Love and light,

Martin

To read Martin's letters from past months, please click here.