I see it and hear it everywhere. There are hurting people everywhere I look. Are you one? Do you find it hard to trust anyone? It’s no wonder when everywhere we look, all we hear are lies. What do we do? Do we just close ourselves in and hope it all just passes away? What can just one person do? Better yet, what can one person do who is hurt and afraid? Hurt and Afraid!

I’ve been there, but I’m not there anymore. It was a place where I thought everything was caving in on me. It was a place of loneliness and depression. It was a place of wanting everything to just end, but yet, still wanting to overcome and not end in defeat. As I look back on these times, it was then I realized who I was and who Jesus is. This was the greatest time in my life. My very foundation was rebuilt and is now stronger than ever. Your foundation can be rebuilt also.

It is hard to function when others don’t understand you. They look at your life and when they judge you by human standards, all they see is a failure and sometimes an outcast. The reason that this was a great place for me is it forced me to rely on the Lord. In relying on Him, I was able to see who He truly is. The best thing about all of this is that He was always next to me, He never left, and He helped me through each situation I faced. It was these times that His love overcame all of the fear and the healing of my heart began. It didn’t matter anymore of what anyone else thought about me. All that mattered now was His love.

It was during the hard times that I learned how to play the guitar. First, I learned how to play praise and worship songs. A lot of these had the scriptures in them, so I was also getting His promises deep into my heart. Then He started giving me songs to write. Sometimes the words would come faster than I could write. It began to be a fun time. I felt His closeness and I started to share it with others. The more I shared the more I received. He became more and more real.

There were times in my early years when people would just walk out of my life and it started with my dad. It was hard to overcome the abandonment. I didn’t know how to be a father to my children, but I did know how I didn’t want to be. The more I studied the scriptures and let Holy Spirit give me understanding, the more I began to see the ways of the Lord. He knows us each by name. He cares so much for each of us. He cares so much that He gave His life to set us free from the darkness that surrounds us.

It was during the hard times that I began to write books and create artwork also. As I look back at the music, writing, and art, I remember where I was in those times. They have become like memory markers. In the near future, the books will be available as well as some of the music and artwork on this web site and our sister site, beneficialzone.com

So how do we continue on when we are in the depths of despair. We take everything one day or one moment at a time. Our world tells us we have to plan things way in advance, but it doesn’t have to be so. We can use the word, “no” to answer questions. If it offends someone, that’s all right too. If you went to a hospital for surgery, don’t they put you in a room and keep visitors at a minimum. So if they do that, why can’t you take some time for yourself to get what you need. In time they will understand. In time they might even want what you have gained for yourself and then you can help them find it.

Someone has to go first. Someone has to dare to make a difference. When I first started writing these posts in July of last year, I didn’t know how deep to go. I really didn’t want to share a lot of the things I’ve shared, but as people began to write, I realized that they needed to know and that maybe others would benefit also, especially those who wouldn’t write because of one reason or another. The main thing is that you find the answers to your questions. Phil, a friend of ours says it like this. “The Lord never says no, He just has a better idea for us.” If things go wrong or not the way we want them to go, hang on, there is a better way.

Through all the bad times, it was hope that got me through. You might be in a war torn country while you are reading this and you might be thinking that it is different in the United States of America. Some of the scenes are different and we may have a different way of living, but we are still people. There are gracious people around us and there are savage people around us. We have all been placed strategically on this earth at this particular time by the Lord. We have the choice to choose how we will live our lives. The Lord has given each of us what we need for victory. Don’t give up. Trust in Him. Ask Him to show you His better way.

I hope that in some way this encourages you. All that I have to share is what I’ve been through and how He has helped me or others around me. We need to hear stories of encouragement. We need to share our stories with others. Share your life with others even if you don’t receive anything back from them in return. The Lord is faithful to bless you and give back to you more than you give. In fact, He multiplies it back. If you have a comment or a story that you feel can encourage others, please write. We care and we are praying for those who read this blog and visit our websites.

Joseph James