Paralyzed or Empowered? There is a story in the Old Testament, Genesis 27, about Lot and his family. Lot was living in Sodom and in the vicinity of Gomorrah, two very wicked cities. Two angels, disguised as men, were sent by God to visit Lot. You need to read this story to get all the details, but suffice it to say, there was evil in that day that is comparable to what happens in our world today. The angels gave an instruction to Lot and his family to leave Sodom quickly. God was going to destroy both Sodom and Gomorrah because of their evil deeds. The angels told Lot to escape with his family for their lives to be saved. But they also and gave a further instruction, "Do not look behind you, or you will be destroyed." Lot and his family safely left Sodom and God rained brimstone and fire on both cities. Everything and everyone Lot and his family left behind were destroyed. Perhaps because she was curious, perhaps because all of her belongings were there, perhaps because she wanted to see what the destruction had done, Lot's wife looked back. She did exactly what she was told not to do. What happed to her? Scripture tells us that she became a pillar of salt, forever paralyzed. One day, while traveling from Houston back to Athens with one of my daughters, I had the opportunity to share this story with her. She had just moved back to Texas. The last 3 years had been rather troublesome and she was starting her life anew. She was making changes in her surroundings, moving herself back home and back to a relationship with God. She had a fresh perspective and desired to move forward. Events of the last few years weighed heavily on her mind and I could sense she was still very troubled. After I told her this story, I was able to connect the dots for her by showing her that when we look back at our past, the experiences can paralyze us. Those emotions can cripple us so that we never leave that place. There is no way to move forward if we are constantly looking back. What is in the past can make us the person we are today, if we let it go and give it to God. We need to forgive where forgiveness is needed. We need to choose carefully the people with whom we will surround ourselves. We need to ask God to heal our hurts, mend our heart, and guide our path. I had never thought of the story of Lot's wife relating to my life or the life of anyone in my family. Those who know me and my struggles in the last 12 years will understand how what happened to me and my children could absolutely paralyze all of us. I am so thankful that I was a follower of Christ when I walked through those valleys. With God on my side, I have been able to leave the past in the past and move forward into the ministry into which He called me. This is not about me being a strong woman. No, this is about me being strong in faith. For I know that God wants the absolute best for me. Things have not always worked the way I would have wanted, but through everything I see God's hand leading and directing. Faith does not grow without testing. Scripture tells us that faith is more precious than gold, but it will be tested for a purpose. 1 Peter 1:6-7, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come to that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." I thank Him for my storms because in Him I found strength beyond myself. Praise, glory and honor to Him alone! Be blessed today. God is on your side! Candy