Run and Hide

A friend once described to me his arrival to Florida, from DC. As he looked out the airplane window during the landing, he vividly remembers seeing all the palm trees and rays of sunshine! It was in that moment that he decided he would move to Florida.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State. Any Floridian can tell you when "Snow Bird" season is and that it is a fact that Florida is a place people not only visit, but retire to as well. This article published by Men's Health, rocked the Tampa Bay area -- my pastor mentioned it in church and it made radio talk. How could Tampa and St. Petersburg both be on the top of the saddest cities in America list? I mean, come on, it's the Sunshine State!

Here are my thoughts....
People everywhere face troubles that could drive them to extreme sadness and depression. Since Florida is often called the "melting pot" and is a retirement hot spot, I see how people would think residing in sunny Florida would bring them to a life of rest, peace... no problems. Unfortunately, wrong. Life's problems, issues, and troubles tend to follow us, regardless of our geographic location. So here is where I disagree with the "saddest cities" philosophy -- "sad people" can be found everywhere. And having spent my life thus far under the Florida sun, I know it isn't Tampa Bay that contributes to sadness.

People today attempt to run and hide from life, rather than face it head on.  Life can seem overwhelming. Problems can seem unsolvable. But we "..can do all things through him who strengthens..." us (Philippians 4:13). So, what are you running from? Where have you run to hide from life's problems? What are you afraid of? Let God walk you through it.

"Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be dismayed, for the LORD God...is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work...is finished." - 1 Chronicles 28:20