Darkest Before the Dawn - Encouragement

Do you need encouragement? Do you ever notice that it is the darkest before the dawn. I learned to live in the darkness. I learned to move, to breathe, to see. I'm amazed that even the smallest amount of light can override the darkest times. One match can light up a room enough to see. Darkness cannot win against the Light. It is my hope that each person I interact with, can come to know this universal truth. Using darkness against darkness does not work. It breaks my heart to see and hear this play out in real time. The left and right have somehow missed it. We have lost souls in every direction, angry, bitter, proud, lashing out, looking for someone to blame, anyone but themselves. If we go back to the beginning, when Light separated the darkness, we will understand how to move forward in unity. It starts with surrender, the one action that is driven by Love. I lay down my sword and shield and exchange it for unconditional Love. Love is a force multiplier; it is contagious, it is unstoppable. It was said that there is no greater Love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Love is why a man will endure suffering. Love is what can drive a man to sacrifice for others. It was said that perfect Love casts out all fear. While I've never been without fear, it is Love that I rely on to live, to breathe, to move, and to win. That battle has already been fought. Not even the darkest of hours, places, people, can overpower the Light or the Love. It is for this reason that I place my hope, faith, family, and freedom in the hands of the One true Light, the One true Love, the source of it all - Jesus. Leaders go first. Real recognizes real. I'm not a religious man, just an average ordinary American who offers what he has everyday to help others. I don't expect anything in return. So in this dark hour, I hope you experience the Light, the Love, and get ready for the dawn.

Matthew Carlson