CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/677112
CityViewNC.com | 11 to hold on and to hold fast. Looking up to those who thrived during troubling times keep us from looking down into our own abyss. e same thoughts that helped them focus on the finish can help us during our present struggles. ese stories all tell of faith turning de- feat into victories. Faith helps us look beyond the cur- rent chapter of our lives and, instead, helps us envision how the final chapter will turn to triumph. Aer six months in Iraq, one of the soldiers from my unit returned home to Germany for two weeks of rest and relaxation. Out of the 130 degree heat and sitting in his easy chair, he said it didn't feel so tough. We started saying, "It all seems easy when you are sitting in the easy chair." We pictured ourselves done with war, leaning back in our overstuffed chairs and full of food that hadn't come pre- packaged. inking about that helped us face our struggles. By faith, we knew that one day we would be back home. Faith tells us that there is a reward. It is worth it. In the midst of combat, soldiers are not thinking about what kind of reward they might receive. When combat is over, there are awards for those who courageously face hard- ship with valor. Aer many hot and dusty months of utter boredom punctu- ated by enemy fire and nightly mortar attacks on our base, we had an awards ceremony, and I received a Bronze Star. Faith calls on us to both let go and to hold on. In the midst of the storm, we may have to jettison what is unnec- essary in order to hold on to that which is most precious. We may have thought the pile of gold was important, but when the waves of adversity crash against our ship, we remember the people we love are always the most important. CV Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/cityviewnc), Twitter #cityviewnc, and Instagram @cityviewnc CityView 320 N. McPherson Church Road 910.864.5705 • www.Ansteads.com Come… be social! Text the word "Cigars" to the number 44222 to discover our full bar, walk-in humidors and events. Visit us today and enjoy!