"Unbelievable Strength!"

Through out our life things happen that demonstrates where we get the qualities that we possess. On Tuesday, May 19, and the days following I discovered where I received my inner strength to go on in difficult times. On that day my mother, Betty Jo Donahue had her second major back surgery in six years.

The first back surgery was a tough one for her and I know that she was concerned that the second back surgery could be a repeat of the first. But this time she possessed a very positive attitude and was willing to do whatever it took to eliminate the severe hip and leg pain that she has had to deal with over the last several years. She not only went through the surgery well she was able to go home on Sunday, May 24.

She realizes that the next several months are going to be tough, but she (pain and all) is continuing her positive attitude and is ready to face those months. That to me is amazing...and her drive to get better is one that few people I have known in my life are able to sustain.

This is not the only time I have seen my mother demonstrate unbelievable inner strength. In 1994 she lost her youngest son (my only sibling) to cancer. Randy (also a person with unbelievable inner strength and faith) was having his second liver transplant when the cancer was discovered. I know that it took a toll on not only her but also my father, Kenneth Donahue. Even though at times we cry because he is no longer with us, we go on...the exact thing Randy would expect us to do.

So to my mother and father, thank you for being the persons you are. For showing me what it means to take on whatever life puts in front of you with the attitude of "bring it on!" I am truly blessed that God gave me such outstanding parents and role models to emulate in my own life. No son could be any prouder than I am of them and no son could love them as much as I do!

So the next time you discover a certain trait in your life that makes you a stronger person...take time to thank the people who gave you those traits...THANKS MOM AND DAD!

"Stop Worrying and Just Accept!"

One of the saddest things that I encounter in my ministry is when I hear Christians talk about being so "worried" about something. It saddens me because they have lost what Christ brings to our lives and that worry is counter to God's grace and embrace.

Christ in Matthew 6:25 says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." and we as humans have a very tough time doing that. It is natural to worry...it is not healthy to constantly worry about things. The problem with worrying is that we tend to let it consume us and control our actions. Christ is trying to tell us to "trust God" and not to worry, because when worry it consumes us and we loose the ability to enjoy our life and loose our connection with God.

If you are one that worries constantly, try giving what it is you are worrying to God in prayer. Christ says in scripture that we are to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross...that means our worries. If you can do that the joy of having Jesus Christ in your life will increase and the joy of just living will once again return to you.

But if you do worry and are struggling remember "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13