A friend recently sent me a link to several different articles about Gabby Giffords and how she’s doing in her recovery after suffering a ferocious brain injury. In the June 21st article, these words especially stood out to me —

“As life takes unexpected turns we frequently come to a crossroads. I am at this point today,” Kelly said in a statement posted Tuesday on his Facebook page. “Gabrielle is working hard every day on her mission of recovery. I want to be by her side.”

(Wow, there’s so much I want to share with you about all the things that came up in my mind as I read this one, single paragraph! For now, here’s the first one…maybe I’ll write more in up-coming posts (that is, if my short-term memory remembers!).

Definitely, life takes unexpected turns! … reminds me of last week’s Journal Blog, “What’s Around the Corner?”  We never know what will be there. But, starting right now, we can live our lives in a way that will prepare us and help to make us ready for those tough times that can horrendously knock the breath out of us!

Have a go at this, friend. Ask God to live-out the truth of Romans 12:9-21 (The Message) in your life   —

9-10Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

 11-13Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

 14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

 17-19Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

 20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Always remember, God is by your side every step of the way!