There was a time in the life of Jesus when his friend and follower Peter was asked what he believed of his friend. Who did he believe he was, what he could be or do was the question posed to this man. Peter came to the point of needing to confront his own convictions. What would his answer be?

When you have a goal or purpose to fulfill, there comes a time of care in who you allow to speak into your life. Anything contradictory to the calling has to be weighed carefully, as not to delay your purpose. I have found this especially true in moving on from loss..........

I found myself sitting in a country club in Palos Verdes, California today, a place I would only ever dream of entering. During the course of the morning, I listened to the story of a woman whose husband suffered a devastating loss and lived. Only a few in the room know my story....... yet.

As communities across the nation feel the sting of suffering, wondering how to leverage the loss deeply felt, I know one thing....... we all need hope. We all need to know there IS a future. When the future is removed, what is the point of living.......

It is when there is the hope of a future that I want to call on God more. I want to reach out, expecting reciprocation.

When Peter spoke contradictory words which would remind Jesus of the loss He would feel, the pain He would experience, and the trauma His body would undertake, He responded fiercely. As the reminder of loss sought to stick in His mind and deter Him from His purpose, He said "get behind me."

He knew going forward, His sole purpose of hope and redemption was foremost in His mind. Loss would not hold Him captive.

Today I reminded myself of that very same thing...... and spoke those same words allowed. I will find the same result.

Hope for the future...... it is spreading.