Dum Spiro, Spero – While I breathe, I hope! This latin
phrase, and South Carolina motto, was highlighted in our local coop’s monthly
magazine. It has become synonymous with
New Years to make resolutions for the coming year, and since you are reading
(and breathing) we have reason to hope for the year ahead. Remember, God is for us!
Many promises from God show us His heart to bless His people. A favorite verse for many is Jeremiah 29:11 “For
I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God had Jeremiah deliver this message to a
people in exile, who were not listening to God’s chosen messenger, and to whom
God told them to settle in the foreign/strange land because they would not be
returning in this generation. God’s
intent was to bless His people, but He once again was calling their attention
back to Himself from the false prophets.
Israel was still His people, with His blessing and promise, but they
found themselves in a troubling place that they did not desire. As a church, and individuals, we have experienced
this in the past year; but God has a plan!
Paul knew hard times in his ministry, and faced potential death
several times during his life. He did
not fear death, and you could say he welcomed it knowing the bliss that awaited
him in Heaven. When he wrote Philippians
1:21 “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain,” he expressed the purpose of
each Christian’s life while on this earth, to glorify Christ! We glorify Christ while we have breath
because we know he brings hope. If you
need a motto for 2020, consider “Dum Spiro, Spero!”
