Heart Hope by Olga

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” – Stephen R. Covey  There are places where people seem to have been cut out by cookie cutters. The people all dress alike, talk alike, think alike and act alike. There is not much room for people who have different opinions; they would be ostracized in that type of environment. On the other hand there are places where people do not feel any need to conform what-so-ever. They simply do what ever they want whether it is good, bad or otherwise. I have lived in both kinds of places. At church one Sunday, I was reminded of the diversity in our small little church. As we were singing the phrase “Worship His holy name” in the worship song 10,000 Reasons a voice cried out in worship and praise to our God. At first it seemed rather out of place, but quickly brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and joy to my heart as I realized that we can all worship in different ways. Our church literally has people from all over the country ...

This week I sat around the table with a group of ladies, planning the second Christian Women’s Network of the Vail Valley. It will be a Priscilla Shirer Simulcast that is hosted by The Vail Church.  As we gathered around the table, I saw a diverse group of women. Some married; some single. Some older; some younger. Some wealthy; some not so affluent. Some struggling; some secure. The one common bond that we all have is that we love the Lord and we desire to do His will. In putting together an event of this magnitude it takes an army of people with varying skills and talents. At times like this I am appreciative of the way God distributes different gifts to each of us. We have our prayer warriors and our organizers. We have our techies and our encouragers. We have those with the gift of hospitality who want everything to look special and inviting.  If God had made us all just alike, nothing would be accomplished. We need each other. The quiet behind the scenes person is ofte...