Pollyannas UNITE!

“Do not sit in despair; hope on, hope ever.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Webster’s defines the word “Pollyanna” as “a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything.”

Guilty as charged!

One of my golf buddies started calling me this name years ago when he was struggling on the course. As a means of encouraging him during a particularly bad round, I would constantly chirp, “That won’t hurt you”… “You can get up and down from there”… or “Nice drive” (or shot or putt or par). And if those comments seemed out of place, I always tried to find a way to compliment his golf attire, his new clubs, his business, or his family.

To me, life is hard – and the world is so full of negativity – that everyone can use a positive word or two to lift their spirits. And who better to offer that encouragement than a born-again believer on their way to heaven?

Not only do we get to spend eternity in a place where tears, sorrow, pain, and death are banished forever, but we also get to enjoy God’s peace, presence, and provisions here on earth. Someone, pinch me. It’s too good to be true!

So, tell me again why we as Christians shouldn’t be the most upbeat and optimistic people around? Pollyannas of the world, UNITE!!!

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Romans 1:11-12 (NKJV)

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President