By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

This post is different from all others and  it is “a hard read.” It is extended here to inform for the purpose of protecting women. The story below is accompanied with some facts that are difficult for most of us to comprehend: slavery is present–both sexual and labor slavery–in the USA. The following life experience shared below reveals a ploy used by devious, perpetrating men who are sexually abusing women. Then, after the abuse, which totally weakens a woman causing her to feel alone, vulnerable, overcome and undone–this is when the prospect of prostitution as a lucrative livelihood may well be proposed. 

The woman who entrusted this story to me knows she has little time to live. She came to me, a chaplain, asking if she could trust me to publish her story, adding, “I don’t want to die without knowing that by telling it, I am lighting a candle for other women.”  

I could see how painful this matter is for her. She added, “Although it shakes my soul to tell it, doing so holds power to help keep others safe.”

While promising to publish her story, I assured this woman anonymity will also be granted. Title proposes a question for parents:

At what age do you think your daughter is ready to read this?

If you think “never,” think again. The subject, here, involves a larger problem in our country than we, the US citizens, have wanted to acknowledge. After reading the latest issue of Time magazine which carries an article involving Jeffrey Epstein, I knew my story must be told.

Back in the 1960’s I had no idea there was a monstrous scheme alive and well in the small city where I grew up. My ignorance was pay dirt for the team of men who “befriended” my friend and me at a bar. They were handsome and appeared to be successful businessmen. After dancing with us, we were invited to a party. We were both divorced, members of the same Sunday School class at church, and in our early 20’s dancing was our “fun thing.”

Neither of us had experienced more than a couple of occasions where alcohol was served. We could not know how drinking can alter judgment. We both agreed to go to the party; however, the men took us in separate cars. I learned later that my friend was taken to the party. I never told her why she did not see me there. This was a team unfolding a devilish scheme.

There was no party for me but rather I was taken to a vacant apartment in the most exclusive part of downtown, overlooking the city’s expansive park and surrounding mountains. As we arrived, I thought this would be the place where the party was being held. But when this “new friend” unlocked the door of an apartment, and ushered me in, no one else was present. Once we entered, he immediately began trying to touch me! I was shocked to the core and highly frightened realizing the deception I had walked into and now THIS! I asked to be taken back to my car.

He got very close to my ear and said loudly, “You will have sex—with a beating, or without a beating.”

I quickly recognized I was in real danger; no one knew where I was. No one knew where they could find me. The man was obviously stronger and much larger than I was. It was clear I could not fight him off and with my health history being beaten would carry a strong possibility of my not surviving it. The only way I could get out with the least amount of harm—was to make a very huge sacrifice. Complying would bring my best hope to be taken to my car without “the beating.”

When I was taken to my car I was also asked, “Would you like a job that pays well?” I played along asking about the job and was told, “It’s spending evenings with businessmen entertaining them. Really good pay.” I was still in a huge amount of shock, fear and angst, hoping to get out of his car as fast as possible and home to my children. I, with my children, lived in the home of my parents after my divorce. That evening my children were being cared for by their grandparents while I had an evening out with my girlfriend. So I played along saying, “OK.” He said, “You will get a call soon.”

A call did come very soon. Thankfully, the number I gave was the only number I had, my parents’ phone number. For it was my father who answered the call that came late one evening. He must have smelled a rat. I heard him shouting in rage from my bedroom telling the caller he had better NEVER call his daughter again!

It took years before I was ready to talk to a counselor. One session was all I could handle.  It helped me let go of the shame I had had for so long after giving in to what was demanded of me. My counselor said, “What you did saved your life! You are alive today because you made a quick and wise choice under exceeding pressure.”

I recalled seeing this man at a class reunion and that he was an attorney, married to a classmate. I later felt sad and guilty over not feeling able to report to the police what had happened. But my life was already broken apart through a divorce that lasted nine months as my former husband had started a legal battle intending to prevent me from divorcing him. It seemed obvious the courts were mostly favoring the requests of men back in the 1960’s. I decided to move on in a survival mode so my children could have as normal a life as possible.

I had a mental breakdown soon after arriving back home. The damage done included being sexually assaulted in such a way as after the fact, I felt like I had agreed to it.

Even after so many years have passed, considerable guilt accompanies the memories if I let them arise. I have known my inability to speak up undoubtedly allowed this same scheme to continue hurting the lives of others. Along with that, having my life threatened if I did not obey a perpetrator’s mandate made my world seem exceedingly unsafe.

The experience of losing my ability to decide how my body would be touched makes the memory of being assaulted hard to release.

Life has been affected in several ways after being raped. Some days I feel fear about taking a walk within my own good neighborhood. A feeling indicating “something bad might happen” is familiar. This is an apprehension that has to be shaken off at times.

The reason victims do not want to tell their stories after being raped is because something has been taken away from us. I have innately felt “if people know what happened to me, they will think less of me.” Of course, that is not true. Still, a victim of sexual abuse wants to live beyond it. We do not want to think about it as we do not want our thoughts or the thoughts of others to include that dark, painful place in our past. We live our lives best in the goodness of the present. Life itself is a present.

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The International Labor Organization estimates that roughly 50 million people are now living in conditions of modern slavery, in forms of forced labor and sex trafficking. There is no way we can know how many lives prostitution and human trafficking have interrupted and even ended. Some die trying to escape, many others work as directed under unheard of pressures. A great wound has been opened in our society through the files exposing the crimes of Jeffery Epstein. This has brought public concern as to why this heartbreaking abuse of women happened in the US. And why was it not handled differently, once it was discovered? Are our laws not clear enough on this? Are our penal codes not strong enough? Or is it a matter of prostitution being winked, mean now considered a regular part of society?

God forbid we close this wound up without first bringing effective treatment to this massive insult to humanity. Watchful, monitoring through eyes that are dedicated to bringing permanent resolutions to this huge harm in our society are essential.

Women who have been sexually abused rarely feel OK talking about it. Their agony over it is too great to think about it again, let alone to tell it. They want to forget about it. So, their stories are rarely told publicly, or even in courts. Sadly, it seems this may be the reason prostitution and human trafficking continue. Another element lies with the fact reading about rape–having a person’s body forcefully entered finds most people shudder and move on to find something to make life feel more safe. The same is true while reading about how women are induced into prostitution. Their stories are rarely told.

As shocking as these stories are of how women are captured or otherwise inducted to prostitution by perpetrators must be told and honored. A demand for change is in order. Pretending it does not happen or deciding it doesn’t matter will allow an inhuman industry to go on—and get worse. The shocking stories of how women are captured or otherwise inducted to prostitution by perpetrators must be told and honored

As for our governing powers, I now fully believe change can come if people are willing to tell their stories of what happened to them and how such an event has made life more difficult for them. The people we pay to take care of us must look at prostitution, know more about the ins and outs of it and seriously determine what is needed to heal the situation.

Thinking things are OK “as they are”, . . . that the problem will get better on its own—or go away, will only find prostitution and human trafficking getting worse. As it is, no one’s daughter is safe from common schemes like the one seen in the above story told by a woman who mustered her courage in order to make a difference for others.

For helps with difficulties of life, visit Joy’s other postings  within Healing-with-Joy.com. Also, enjoy visiting Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com which has amazing photography can be translated into any of the world’s known languages. Joy’s sites have readers in up to 50 countries.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

When something happens in life that is unsettling, we are not at our best. We are stressed! This blog post extends “numbers to call.” As if help is as close as a “phone.” For instance, we often need support when we are in sorrow, feel betrayed, are anxious, have made a big mistake, feel guilty and scared, or when we are simply wanting to be reminded that God’s support real and that it is there for you. The scripture references are intended to connect you with spiritual and emotional care within whatever you are going through. (By entering a reference below as an Internet search you can reach each one “pronto”–right when needed.)

When you are worried: “call” Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger: “call” Psalm 91

When God seems far away: “call” Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring: “call” Hebrews 11

When you are lonely: “call” Psalm 23

When you have sinned: “call” Psalm 51

When you grow bitter and critical: “call” 1 Corinthians 13

When you feel betrayed: “call” Psalm 27

When happiness seems illusive: “call” Colossians 3:12-17

When dealing with fear: “call” Psalm 34:7

When in sorrow: “call” John 14

When you desire to be fruitful: “call” John 15

When you wish to explore Christianity: “call” 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

When you feel down and out: “call” Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest: “call” Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God: “call” Psalm 90

When you away from home for labor or travel: “call” Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish: “call” Psalm 67

When you are longing for something more: “call” Isaiah 55:10-13

When you feel a need for more courage: “call” Joshua 1:9

When you want to get along better with others: “call” Romans 12

When you think of investments and return: “call” Mathew 6:19-34

If you are depressed: “call” Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty: “call” Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people: “call” Psalm 146:1-10

If people seem unkind: “call” John 15:9-17

If discouraged about your work: “call” Psalm 126

If you long for a better understanding of God: “call” Psalm 19:1-11

For security: “call” Psalm 121

For assurance: “call” John 1:11-13

For reassurance: “call” Psalm 145:18

Uncountable helps can be found within the Holy Bible. Sometimes it is hard to find these quickly. The list, here, is provided for that reason.

For another opportunities to read Joy’s writings see her new Blogspot at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com. That site is easily and quickly translated into all other languages through Google’s translation wedget.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Part 1 of 2

Unfortunately many of us don’t. Why? Because our lifestyles, our wishes, our thoughts go adrift. The soul has a hard time thinking God could love it. Yes, we live in our skin and we know there are times we failed to behave in the way we really should.  Hence, there are ample reasons for us to have a hard time loving ourselves. Lots of self-doubt is present.

The reason people rarely feel they are enough, or have done enough is because we easily succumb to false guilt. Dr. Wiesner, a psychologist friend, spoke to audiences often about “poor potty training.” None of us remembers that time in our lives, but our parents were like gods to us. It was most likely the same for all: we had a hard time ever getting it right! And parents held power to correct us. So, even with the best of parents, we were set up in life to believe “we had better do it right!” Dr. Wiesner taught that our early parental experiences can definitely hold sway influencing current beliefs about ourselves.

Understanding brings hope. We eventually grew up. We don’t have to keep trying hard to “do it right,” hoping not to disappoint our parents. Now, as adults, we know when we are truly guilty. A built in conscience tells us that. But—for a fact, there is “false guilt” and it is false guilt that causes so many of us to occasionally wrestle with feeling “not good enough.”

We learn how to defeat false guilt by recognizing it, then releasing it. Recognizing false guilt is the key to being free of it. Below is a list that includes a few tendencies toward false guilt. Each one can be recognized as false guilt holding sway in your life, tripping you up. It is possible to weed out all messages within your thought life that support this unhealthy pattern.

1. I worry daily about my actions, and my choices.
2. I feel responsible when things go wrong.
3. I’m always blaming myself.
4. I’m often apologizing; saying, “I’m sorry,” often.
5. I care a lot about what others think of me.
6. I find it hard to say “no” to others.

Paul Tornier wrote in Guilt and Grace, “. . . . The only true guilt comes from saying no to God.”

Part 2 of 2

As mentioned in part 1, our first encounter with guilt (or false guilt) came with “potty training.” As adults, most of us know there is a power higher than what our parents weaved over us. After all, God is able to scrutinize our every move. This, too, can be scary unless we read God’s Word and come to understand what is meant in Scripture’s message to “fear” God. Many do not read far enough and give up, not wanting to deal with a God who is to be feared.

Yet, it takes reading the whole book while pondering and getting to the truth of God’s thoughts and of His great love for us. In this way the Scriptures make things clear and can guide our lives. We can have a loving relationship with God, having gained a “reverent awe of God” – the passionate lover of our souls. Yes, He has expectations of us. And to have a good life, we will pay attention to God’s intentions–for us.  As He is the Creator and we are the created ones.

The Bible is full of the truth that God loves us. He only asks that we come to Him through Jesus who died to save us from our sins. Although innocent of any sin Himself, Jesus chose the cross, a place of torture and death, to be our Savior. When we trust in Christ and believe He died for us, we gain knowledge through reading His Word, which shows clearly it is not fear that He wants from us.

Scripture tells us, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool,” (Isa 1:18).

For sure, God is a healing God and does not want us to live with guilt of any kind. He asks that we come to Him through Jesus and to seek to know Him. This puts us on a path of learning, which brings us to what lies ahead: Eternal life where we will be freed from this mortal body and freed from sin. In heaven, our eternal life will hold no more pain and no sorrows with which to deal. Forevermore, God has great things ahead for us!

About the author: Joy Le Page smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain and author of four books. Her website at healing-with-Joy.com carries her blog and books. VIEW FREE– at Healing-with-Joy.com–Joy’s children’s book, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Scripture indicates there is an unforgiveable sin. But, only one. 

Mark 3:28-29, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; ²⁹ but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— ³⁰ because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

They later part of that verse shows specifically what, within the claim of the Pharisees that comprised “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.”

I have encountered Christians who were tormented through believing they may have committed the unforgiveable sin. Yet, it is God who draws people to Himself. Consequently, if you have any inclinations to pray, this is because God is drawing you to Himself. Clearly, if you had committed the unforgiveable sin, a desire to pray would not exist. You can rest assured by letting that tormenting question go is a good idea. It holds no reality within your spirit.

John 6:44 assures us that, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” So, it is God who initiates prayer.

Below is an excerpt from GotQuestions.org website offering excellent commentary on this topic:

“The term blasphemy may be generally defined as “defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. Blasphemy is also attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This particular case of blasphemy, however, is called “the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” in Matthew 12:31. The Pharisees, having witnessed irrefutable proof that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, claimed instead that the Lord was possessed by a demon (Matthew 12:24). Notice in Mark 3:30 Jesus is very specific about what the Pharisees did to commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: “He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an impure spirit.’”

There are three passages within the four Gospels that specifically address this matter. In (Matthew 12:24, we find what Pharisees specifically said: “‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’”

God is not mad at people. God loves people! He inspires and enlivens us as we make our pilgrimage here on earth. We do encounter times of making choices contrary to God’s holy Word and beneath the goodness God is instilling in us. Yes, we make mistakes. Ideally, we learn from our mistakes. We discover what works and what does not work for our own good and the good of others. Life with God at the helm of our lives is a grand learning experience.

2 Corinthians 3:18, encourages us along the way to know there is glory ahead, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

We are given a lifetime to pull ourselves together for growing into all we can be–for the glory of God (not our own). John 6:44 promises that: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

However, we ought not to waste time, leaving our “doing business with God” for another era within life. For another pertinent truth is made clear in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis 6:3: “So, the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh.” The rest of the versus assures us that our days shall be numbered, No one gets out of here alive. The fullness of life comes through answering the call of Christ who will then abide continuously with us through His Holy Spirit.

Revelations 3:20 makes it plain that Christ intends for us to respond to Him so He can enter our lives, “dine with us” as He abides within our souls. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Jesus Christ walked on earth, lived, the died carrying our sins on a cross, Why? So that we might be free. He alone will be the judge over all the living and the dead in the last and final judgment of humankind prophesied in the Book of Revelations. Matthew 25:31-46 shows the picture of what will happen on that ominous day:

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

John 5:22, tells us, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” 

He has prepared the way for us to live in His love, having an inner peace that the world can observe, but never understand.

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children, (Matthew 11:25). 

It takes becoming as a little child to enter into the Kingdom of God (trusting and leaning on God’s provisions.) Matthew 18:2-5 explains: “Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation, (2 Corinthians 6:2).

It is simple to talk with God. Speak your thoughts and let Him know what you desire.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Most of us have joked about the ostrich which allegedly sticks its head in the sand to hide from danger.

Goggling reveals the truth: “As flightless birds, ostriches are unable to build nests in trees, so they lay their eggs in holes dug in the ground. To make sure that the eggs are evenly heated, they occasionally stick their heads into the nest to rotate the eggs, which makes it look like they’re trying to hide – hence the myth.”

Nature often teaches. Yet, the legend of the ostrich to, “Bury one’s head in the sand when danger is near” is of no help. However, the true lesson of the ostrich is portrayed well: “Find what meets your needs and use it to your best advantage.”

Ostriches don’t have our highly developed brains, but their instincts amaze us. We humans, on the other hand have vast amounts of knowledge, yet we find it hard to live in peace. A factor that best helps us gain peace is the truth that we are not alone here on terra firma. God is with us and we have a grand and mighty connection with Him through prayer. It is with prayer that we have a peace that may seem incomprehensible while so many dangers lie far and wide. This peace is experienced and enjoyed for people who know how to “plug in.” For Christians, this comes through dedicating our lives to the amazing truths found in Scripture. Proverbs 3: 5-6, reveals our steadfast hinge, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This is a “peace-maker.” And, it works.

Many scripture passages bring peace to the soul through helping us let go our worries, our fears. Like, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is hardly possible to have peace of heart if, like the proverbial ostrich, we bury our hearts in the sands of ignorance, fear and confusion. Doing so serves to create anxiety and inertia. Yet, we do hear the news or read it in magazines. I heard good advice of a psychologist speaking at a medical center in Scottsdale years ago. He said, “Cut your news watching by 80% for good mental health.” This advice applies even more so today.

Given current technology, we know what is happening globally whenever we check the channels. God has superbly engineered our brains and wisdom helps keep us safe. We hold the power to dismiss the derisive chaffing that takes place as news newscasters sensationalize and “shout,” “there’s more danger than goodness on earth.”

Still, even when cutting our news viewing to “20%,” this is plenty! And, we can best keep it from robbing us of peace, when we simply tell God our concerns, releasing our fears to Him. Trust, He hears our prayers and will take care of what troubles us, in His own way and own timing. When we pray, we face our fears head on, rather than trying to forget about them by bottling them up in our psyches. For sure, that is a recipe for both anxiety and depression—and, more and more people use alcohol or drugs hoping to “heal” themselves.

Most everyone wants peace in the world. And, Gandhi put it well, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” This question has been posed more than once, “What does God want of us?” There is no question that God wants us to have peace. After His resurrection, Jesus found His disciplines in a state far from peace. The crucifixion blew their minds! They were afraid and hiding. Jesus said, “Peace be with you, as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Then he breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

God wants us to receive His Holy Spirit. Why? Because it brings us a peace that empowers us. Having the Holy Spirit empowers us to forgive those who have hurt us in life . . . and to forgive some hard things we have to endure. Peace brings courage—a courage that empowers us to follow our hearts.

If the desires of our hearts are wholesome, it is the Spirit of God within that helps us achieve them. At times this may find us speaking up about issues, pitting our wits against the “wind” of what can cause havoc in our lives, in our community, or in the world at large.

Just recently, many participated in peaceful protests against current wrongs that break hearts and ruins lives—even takes lives. Unfortunately, some protests were not-so-peaceful. God will never put it in our hearts to hurt innocent people or put them, or their property, in harm’s way.

Interestingly enough, although Jesus promised personal peace that comes as we follow His teachings, He did not promise world peace. A larger plan was laid in place for that, which is not the topic for this column. Meanwhile, we live in a warring world. An imperfect world. Yet, it is where we learn to be strong and we learn to love in the midst of what comes our way. At times, even precipitous chasms must be hurdled. We can become “chasm leapers,” hurdlers of the grandest kind. It is the Holy Spirit within that makes this so. Within the journey of it all, our faith is strengthened and peace results.

To have personal peace in the midst of it all is to read the Bible and simply do what it says. Martin Luther was asked once why we need to read Scripture every day. He said, “Because we forget.” This is an amazing three-word answer. And, it is true. The world around us captivates our attention so fully, hour-by-hour, that it fizzles the truths of Holy Writ—unless we learn to prioritize the Scriptures in the midst of what we are living. This takes prayer. And, there is nothing more peaceful than a life ordered by prayer. 

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places. For another opportunity to read this author’s writings go to Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com

By Joy Chaplain Joy Le page Smith, MA

As I write this, it is hurricane season. And if you bring up “Earthquakes Happening now” on your computer it will no doubt amaze you.  Spending a few minutes at that site is an eye-opener. Take, for instance, on June 21, 2025, I read, “During the past 24 hours, we have recorded 190 earthquakes around the world. Of course, reading more from the site shows our earth shows our earth is a pretty shaky place. During the past 24 hours, we have recorded 190 earthquakes worldwide. Still, “Devastating earthquakes greater than 8.0 in magnitude are infrequent and occur at a rate of about one earthquake per year. globally” (A quote from https://earthquakelist.org/.) At https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/ we find about 20,000 earthquakes around the globe each year, or approximately 55 per day. If this is correct, it means more earthquakes are occurring than usual at this time.

We have accomplished a lot as human beings. Look at all we have achieved and built—and rebuilt! Yet, we can’t change the fact that we live in a dangerous world. Earthquakes are only one of the things over which we have no control. Oceans are widening, continents are gradually, imperceptibly adrift.

The inner core of the earth is a ball of iron and nickel some 1,600 miles in diameter. Despite estimated temperatures in excess of 7,000 F the inner core is a solid mass because of the immense pressure exerted on it. So, pressure holds sway. God the Creator uses that pressure to the earth’s advantage.

Within every family uncertainties are facing us; we handle these daily pressures one by one. For the most part, we work through each happenstance as separate units. Yet, when nature is roiled by storms, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis something different sweeps over us. There is a sense that we are all in this together. The earth itself creates a sense of unity . . . and God has us solidly in His hands.

There are many passages in the Holy Bible about earthquakes giving various reasons for them happening from the spiritual side of things. One that strikes me today is found in Nahum 1:5: “The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it.” All that happens on our earth is under God’s watchful eye. He has a place, a “future and a hope” as Jeremiah 26:11 states: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

We know more than ever that there is a vital connection amongst individuals. Not even Mother Nature can tear asunder God’s intention, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Jesus said, “The second is to love your neighbor as yourself.”  Many times, in life, I have needed God’s help in following this, the greatest of all commandments.

But, God treasures us and we are linked to the eternal. We feel the results of that as we treasure one another and are loving toward one another. Here is something that no storm can take down. No flood or tsunami can drown, and no earthquake can tear apart. Think about it: The only thing about this globe that is eternal is a human soul. Each who seeks truth and does what Holy Writ clearly shows as being what God expects warrants such an eternal gift.

If you are wondering, “How can I have eternal life?” here are some passages to explore. Talking with a pastor or a priest on this subject is an excellent idea. He or she can explain these passages further.

In John 14: 6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Revelations 3:20, Jesus tell of the process of gaining salvation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

In Acts 4:12b, the writer assures us, ” . . . . for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (The author of Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul.)

About the author: Joy Le page Smith, MA is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain. Visit Healing-with-Joy.com for Joy’s blog along with many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties. Also, see Healingwithjoy. blogspot.com Her books and blogs are read in up to 32 countries.