Following the Son

Hope

PHOTO AND WRITING BY MICHELE HUGHES

Did you know National Lighthouse Day is a thing? I didn’t until this year, August 7th. But I like it! Lighthouses have a special place in my heart because my husband proposed to me at Marblehead Lighthouse. If you have ever stood at the top of a lighthouse, you know the view is amazing. And if you aren’t afraid of heights, it’s a great feeling.

With 105 steps, you can climb to the top of a sweeping tower of red brick— the proud lady of Jupiter Inlet—the oldest structure in Palm Beach County. I love this lighthouse. If you are ever in Florida, it’s worth a tour. The light of a lighthouse can be seen an average of 23 miles away. Anyone caught in a storm on the water or lost at sea will say a lighthouse gives hope. It can help guide you to safety.

Scripture tells us, let your light shine before others (Matt. 5:16 NIV). By letting our light shine, we can point people in the direction of hope.

NOW MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, SO THAT YOU WILL ABOUND IN HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (ROMANS 15:13 NASB)

One night, after tossing and turning, unable to sleep, William Booth got out of bed and went for a walk. He ended up in the poorest section of London and experienced the worst sights and smells of his life. When he arrived home, his wife frantically asked where he’d been. “Catherine,” he replied, “I’ve been to hell. I’ve been to hell.” Soon afterward, they started the Salvation Army.

Psalm 27:1 says, The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (NKJV)

William and Catherine envisioned people drowning in a sea of hopelessness: slavery, starvation, unemployment, murder, and prostitution. One by one, they created tools like banks, food depots, shelters, and temporary work to help the impoverished. They started to see light at the end of the tunnel as lives were restored. People felt more hopeful. When William and his wife started crusades, held revivals in circus tents, and preached to the masses, they learned the people were equally hungry for the Word.

Maybe you feel like you are drowning and losing hope. Life certainly has its challenges, but if we keep our eyes focused on the light of Jesus Christ, our perspective will change. He will guide us and help us find our way.

Michele Hughes, a #1 best selling author, resides in Jupiter, Florida,with her husband. They own and operate GoLifeSavers.com where Michele has taught CPR classes since 2011 as the lead instructor. Michele holds a master’s degree in education and serves on the leadership team in Women World Leaders. She loves the Son/sun, family, paddle boarding, travel, and encouraging others.