Tears

The tears fall, they're so easy to wipe off onto my sleeve, but how do I erase the stain from my heart? Author Unknown

Nick Vujicic (www.lifewithoutlimbs.org) quotes, "Tears are a language the Father understands." You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 Salty bitter water droplets that flow from an individual's heavy eyes paint a canvas of agony, pain, hurt, repentance, grief, loneliness, rejection and anger.

Tears are usually the after effect of a circumstance that has caused a tsunami of tidal waves to beat against you with the sole intent to drown you into the depths of disbelief and fear. Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dried: Mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:1-3

There are even moments when the storms of life may be a season of testing when the Father is trying to make you all the more pure and equipped for the greater mission He is unfolding before you. There have been times in my life when I’ve cried myself to sleep, when I’ve been on my knees wailing my heart’s questions to the Lord…searching for answers…wanting the truth…needing the burden lifted from my shoulders. The Father understands our tears even though a word may never be uttered from our lips. He hears the whispers and even the screams of our hearts. The waves and undercurrents can knock and toss us like helpless paralyzed infants in need of someone greater and that someone is Christ. All it takes for us to be rescued is a cry to the One who is able to save us from drowning in our own sea of tears. His hand is ready to pull us from the clutches of fear’s depths. He is there waiting. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:16, 17, 18b, 19

Are you going to call out to Him? He is right there with you. He is standing above you, looking down at you. He is longing for you to call out to Him. Will you? Will you allow Him to wipe away your tears and replace those tears with His smiles? With His joy? Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:1-4

God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. William Cowper

Blessings, Stephanie

Bella

Today, my family and I went to go see the movie, Bella. As I sat in the dark theater with the film rolling before my searching eyes, my heart sang as a powerful message unfolded on the screen. This movie will dramatically impact your life. Its gripping story, lovable characters and heartwarming uniqueness brings a breath of fresh air to the film industry that has so viciously bombarded our minds with messages that mock the teachings of our Lord. This film is so amazingily packaged with the meaning of true friendship, loyalty, love, life, respect, family, hope and the love of life. Please go support this movie! The church needs to have open arms to those who are broken and weary. To those hurting. To those who are spiritually blind. To those in need of a miracle of hope. We have the truth. We know the one who heals bleeding hearts and restores shattered worlds. Let's let our light shine! Let's allow ourselves to be God's instruments to those in need. An answer to someone's prayer. Young men and women, this is the time to be bold! To not be ashamed of what we have been given!

Isaiah 61:1-4 states,

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.


Here is a review I found online, written by Rebecca Grace (Guest Columnist from OneNewsNow.com) that gives specific details about this particular film:

From Metanoia Films comes Bella, the story of José, a washed up pro athlete, who reaches out to Nina, a young waitress whose world is crashing down around her. The two spend a day together in New York, and it changes both of their lives forever as José shows Nina the importance of family, life and love while trying to come to grips with a haunting past of his own. It’s a story of healing as both grapple with life-changing decisions in the midst of the unexpected, while an innocent life hangs in the balance. It’s a film that defies the norms of Hollywood and is a profound illustration about the impact one life can have on another. Bella has a Latino flare to it and delivers a realistic depiction of the close-knit Hispanic culture. The traditional family is portrayed in a very positive way as is the topic of adoption. The film is emotionally engaging and contains no sex or nudity. The timeline of the film can be confusing at times, so it’s important for viewers to see it through to the end, where it wraps up in an amazingly touching way. It’s important to note that Bella does deal with an unwanted pregnancy and the issues that surround that – such as abortion. It is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images. There is a small amount of blood shown in a scene that depicts a tragedy. There are elements of smoking and drinking in the film, along with one reference to drug use. The film contains two crude terms and one instance in which a profanity is implied. Due to the theme of the film, AFA does not think it is suitable for young children. But for those mature enough to handle the unexpected trials of life, Bella is an impressionistic film with a subtle but powerful message that will make your heart smile. Bella is set to release in October in select theaters nationwide. More information is available at http://www.bellathemovie.com./ Or read more about God’s providence in the making of Bella when actor Eduardo Verástegui shares of his life-changing visit to an abortion clinic and other stories that show how God is using Bella to impact the hearts of its viewers.

Please go and support this film!

Blessings,
Stephanie