A Light on a Hill
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV)
Stormie is a beautiful young lady with a smile that lights up a room. She’s friends with everyone because she’s the kind of person you enjoy hanging out with. Stormie has aspirations to be a model and loves country music. At the age of 14, her Christian strength and character allows her to be a strong witness to anyone no matter what the circumstances.
Recently, Stormie shared with me about the pressure she and other girls were getting from guys at her high school for sexting. She said there was a particular sophomore who relentlessly pursued her under the guise of wanting to be her friend. What he really wanted was a nude photo of her for his phone.
Stormie told him repeatedly she would be glad to be his friend, but he would never get a picture of her without her clothes. His motives became very clear—he dumped her.
Many young people have yielded to different pressures and exposed themselves to sexting. They live with regret and shame everyday because of their decision. Stormie wants her fellow comrades to know with God’s great love you can start over. No matter what you’ve done the screen can be erased and you can be free from the quilt.
In a world where everything can be really confusing and full of pressure, here are some of the principles that Stormie uses to keep her light shining on a hill for Christ.
- Surround yourself with Christian friends that share the same standards as you
- Get involved with your church youth group and attend church regularly
- Talk to your parents about everything in your life
CRYSTAL Y. HATHCOCK
Crystal Y. Hathcock and her husband Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer; a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making and singing. (read more…)
A Girl and Her Daddy: “Redefining Beautiful”
Redefining Beautiful: What God Sees When God Sees You
by Jenna & Max Lucado
Society tends to revolve around appearances. Our so called “culture” dictates what is and is not beautiful. But what the media fails to see is the One and Only perfect Dad.
Jenna’s Lucado’s book, A Girl and Her Daddy, takes readers on a journey showing how God, our perfect, heavenly Dad, can “Redefine Beautiful.” Filled with real stories and thought provoking questions, this book can help girls of all ages see the beauty in their personal lives. Even if life hasn’t been good, it can change when we give God the pen and let Him finish our story. As Jenna puts it: “Even the darkest stories can have beautiful endings.”
This book explains that it is God’s love through us that makes us beautiful. He gives us the “accessories” for life. Jenna lists them as: security, identity, value, love, self-control, peace, joy, and contentment.
I found myself thinking a lot about my own life while reading this; about things I know I can improve in myself, but most importantly about how blessed I am. My heavenly Dad has given me a great earthly Dad. Far too many people don’t live with or don’t even know their dad, or maybe they had a dad unworthy of emulation. Sure, my dad is short and old and tells jokes that aren’t funny… but he’s a great example of God’s love.
To all of you reading this: I hope you have a dad who reflects our perfect Father. If you do, take the time to tell him how much you love and appreciate him. If you don’t, well… still love him and pray for him. Even if you don’t feel like it. (Thomas Nelson Inc provided this book for review.)
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