March 23, 2015

Editorial

“There’s nothing like a good fight!” voiced a neighbor somewhat jokingly during a recent HOA meeting.

Currently embroiled in a battle against a local developer and the city council, homeowners in my subdivision have met more than once to refine their strategy. Plans are under way to make changes in the subdivision that we believe would negatively affect community safety. Other more acceptable options are available, but decision-makers aren’t “buying” them. “You can’t fight city hall” appears apropos, and it’s discouraging.

Why bother? I’ve sometimes thought. It’s just a waste of time. But still I add my voice to the debate, because if we as individuals keep silent on issues we feel are important, then we have little to say about the outcome. And after all, there’s always hope.

Moving forward in hope “against all odds” is par for the course for Christians. Missionary to China Gladys Aylward is one example. With no official backing, and a résumé that boasted only domestic service as a parlor maid, Gladys set out from London in 1930 to embrace what she believed was her calling from God. She first traveled to Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railway; then next to Japan and on to Tientsin, China, by ship; and finally by train, bus, and mule to the inland city of Yangchen, south of Peking (now Beijing). Battling the odds of success for a single White woman, Gladys tirelessly served the people there. She worked with lepers in a leper colony, preached the gospel message, and saved the lives of some 100 orphans during the war.

Our daily challenges may not be so formidable, but still, fighting the “good fight of faith” can be daunting. Things often don’t go as planned, and we can become disheartened by an apparent lack of success. We must remember, however, that the battle is the Lord’s, not ours; because of Calvary, the victory is already won.

And after all, there’s always hope!

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