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Don’t Give Up It has been a tough 18 months, maybe longer for some. Still, I have found some solace and encouragement through some iconic sayings from the movies that have helped me and others through these challenging times. Over the next four months, I will unpack these sayings that I feel God has gifted to us. For I believe that God can speak through anything if we have ears open to hear Him. These sayings encapsulate a sense of hope and motivation that there is more to this life than just surviving but encourages a more profound level of life. The First saying is this ‘When life gets you down, you know what you got to do? just keep swimming, just keep swimming!’ (From the film Finding Nemo.) Dory, an unlikely hero who suffers from short-term memory loss, encourages Marlin, who has lost his son, to keep going despite the darkness ahead. Time and time again, I have quoted this to myself and encouraged others to keep moving forward, especially in the face of trouble. The saying
persistently but gently says, ‘don’t give up,’ which is a message echoed in the bible. One particular verse comes to mind from Galatians 6:9 ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ Often, we miss out on the reward of perseverance, it’s just too hard and we give up or give in and add another negative experience that robs us of future joys. However, I believe we can learn from Dory’s short-term memory loss and live as though the past does not define our future. God is in the business of transforming lives, redeeming past mistakes, urging us forward to make good choices to ‘just keep swimming’ and not give up doing good. God promises us a great reward, a harvest whatever that might be, whether a good conscience, self-worth, or making a difference in this world. God calls each of us to follow Him, despite the darkness in the world, do good, be love, and bring peace and wholeness through Him working in and through us. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed today and ready to give up, I urge you not to give up; just keep swimming, trust in Him, and you will make it through. Kindly provided by Revd Andy Pearce, Associate Minister at Locking Castle Church & Community Pastor for Church @ St Anne’s, West Wick.
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