What is beauty?

Today, I saw beauty. What is beauty? It is a life changed and living in hope.

Today, I was talking with one of Sikeston’s retired dentists Wendell Weathers. He was so excited and alive he could not contain himself.

Next week is Resurrection week (Easter) and we celebrates Jesus Christ died on a cross for our sins and rising from the dead.

“3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

To begin your trip to being beautiful you must have Christ in your life. Wendell has known the Lord for a long time, but two years ago his wife died. After this loss, he went through the darkest valley of his life. It was so bad that he testified in our church that he contemplated suicide.

After that low point, he took a step toward beauty and decided to use his grief by forming a Grief Share ministry at First Baptist. Grief Share is a national ministry that gives people the tools and support to walk through the grieving process. Wendell formed a team and they began meeting last fall.

This week on Tuesday, they had week one of GriefShare for the second time. As I mentioned today when I talked with him he was so excited about GriefShare in his life and the lives of others. As I reflect on this it shows the steps for beauty:

1. A life is saved by Jesus Christ. John 3:36 ”He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” When you have trusted Jesus Christ you have the everlasting (forever and ever) life to grow and experience.

2. A saved life experiences incredible difficult trials like grief and depression.

3. Out of the dark valley, the person helps others in the the valley.

4. The person is used by God to impact others.

5. The others become beautiful in their journey in the valley.

6. Ultimately, Christ is shown in the changed life of others impacting others.

Today, decide that your valleys will be the portrait of beauty in the hands of Christ. By the way, if you are grieving, come to Grief Share at 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist (open to everyone, no matter your church/no church background).

If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com