Darryn's Blog

Countdown to Africa

Today I'm doing some last minute errands and packing before we leave for 9 days in Africa tomorrow.  Lot's to do before we leave. I'll write more later, but for now check out this new post from World Hope International.

Overcoming Cancer!

Watch this powerful, inspirational story of Officer Leslie Hulse of the Fishers Police Department & SWAT team.  In 2006 at the age of 33, Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through that ordeal and came back determination.  Less than a year after her initial diagnosis, a blood test for cancer revealed some devastating news, the cancer had returned. 

Leslie is one of the strongest people I know! Hear her story and spread the word of hope abou the strength she has found in Jesus Christ. I shared a message around Leslie's story this past weekend at Heartland Church. Send this to anyone who has ever asked the question, "God, why are you letting this happen?"

Yesterday's Historic Election

I am profoundly affected by yesterday election. This is truly an history-making day for our country as we have elected our first African-American President.

A good friend of mine, Jim Herrington wrote an excellent piece on his Facebook blog this morning. I resonate with it deeply and thought I would share it with you.

"No matter how you voted, yesterday's election was historic. And it has evoked strong emotions on both sides of the proverbial political aisle. One of the things I love is that we live in a country where power can change hands without troops showing up in the streets. And one of the things that I love is that we are free to express our opinions, our frustrations or joys, and our anxiety or hope about the outcome.

I've been struck, in my own circle of family and friends, how widely divergent the opinions are about the outcome of the election, and I have really been pondering how I, as a follower of Jesus, would exercise my citizenship in this moment.

This morning I read a post by fellow pastor, Yancy Arrington. As I read it, the post resonated deeply as wise and helpful. Our freedom of speech gives us the right to say anything we choose. But, ultimately, in every circumstance, followers of Jesus give up their rights because their first allegiance is to God's Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. And that allegiance comes before any allegiance to kingdoms of this world. In that context we are are always reconcilers... [sic] always look for common ground... always looking for ways to unite rather than divide... always seeking and sacrificing for the common good.

I believe the days ahead may be some of the most challenging we have ever faced - because the outcome of the election is both uniting and dividing us. And I believe that followers of Jesus can be the difference makers as these challenges are faced and met, if we will be the salt and light and leaven that The King calls us to be. I'm committed to that."

Amen, Jim! Keep writing and thinking. You can read more and Jim's blog, http://faithwalking.blogspot.com