Jack’s Winning Words 7/31/15
“Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love and Your joy.”  (St Ignatius of Loyola)  The Depression of the 1930s was called a depression…in part, because it really was depressing.  Pres FDR had the job of trying to give hope when there seemed to be no hope.  He’s credited with saying, “When you come to end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”  In other words…Don’t give up!    ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  The variety of expressions are most interesting . . . As a young man seeking God at our church altars, especially Sunday evenings, one would be of encouragement by saying, "Hang in there, Paul!" and I could hear another encourager say, "Let it go Paul, let it go!" This morning the other phrase comes to mind when one is found at the end of their rope-- "Let go and let God!" Both edifying and meaningful expressions.====JACK:  Here are some modern expressions of encouragement...Life is tough, but so are you!...You have to fight through the bad days to get to the best days!...Don't run ahead of God!

FROM MK:  I always tell myself and others “Don’t worry He has got this” and he always does…..====JACK:  I like the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  To see God as a friend, who cares and wants the best for us, puts a lot of things in perspective.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We are deeply grateful to have a rope from heaven.  One end to God and a knotted end for us.  We just have to hold on!====JACK:  That is our hope.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  A good friend who was an outstanding AB pastor, once used the illustration of Teachers of small children taking a field trip,, giving emphatic instructions, "No matter what happens, don't any of you let go of the rope!" Traveling with a teacher at the front and the rear, they were to walk with their buddy holding on to the  rope between the teachers. That  way no one got lost, left, or went astray, as they walked to a museum, park, , or wherever, sometimes on busy thoroughfares or city streets.  It was all the instruction they needed: "Hang on to the rope!" He went on to say that Christians experiencing sorrow, or hard situations, or disappointment, etc should remember that God in His promises and Presence, has provided a Love Rope for us to hold onto through Life. I never forgot the allegory.====JACK:  I see that the Church, in the truest sense of the word, throws out the rope...in preaching, teaching and ministering.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  One day at a time.====JACK:  I like the song by the same name. ====SHIRL:  In following what St. Ignatius teaches us, the main element at school is to learn to be magnanimous.====JACK:  That's a BIG word, but a good one.

FROM AM:  Wow!  You are awake early.  I watched the life of St. Ignatius on EWTN today.  Thank you for your Winning Words.====JACK:  I try to get the words out to "my congregation" before 5:30 am, which usually means that I get up at 4:30 am, M-T-W-T-F.  I like the Jesuits.