For the most part I would say I have an optimistic outlook on life. I try to see the good in bad situations. I try to encourage others when they are down. I try to be the voice of reason in situations where there is controversy. But lately, I can’t seem to turn on the morning news or peruse the news sites on the Internet without feeling hopeless and wondering what our world has come to.

War in the Middle East, the H1N1 Virus at critical levels, the economic downturn, more military troops needed here and there, the threat of terrorism in our homeland, and the list goes on an on. It’s disheartening and discouraging to me when I look at my beautiful, young, children and wonder what kind of life they will have. Will they even enjoy the same freedoms and security I have all these years?

Then I open the timeless pages of scripture and I feel my anxiety melt away. I find the answers that once again restore my hope. I draw upon the strength of my Savior. Not just my Savior one time on the cross, but my Savior every single day. One recent morning I turned to

2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.”

I’ve heard that scripture quoted many times for many different reasons throughout my life, but this time I dug a little deeper. And guess what I found? A grandmother and a mother who instilled these truths in a Godly man named Timothy.

Timothy was a young man who had been raised by a wise and loving mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois. The Apostle Paul had mentored Timothy, and in this particular passage of scripture, encourages Timothy in his ministry. Paul recognized Lois and Eunice and the great wisdom they poured into Timothy.

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:6

What a tribute Paul is paying to these wonderful women. And what a reminder of the tremendous influence we have on our children and grandchildren. Yes, this world has its problems, but we must remember it is temporary. We must cling to our faith at all times and boldly speak the truth. Like Lois and Eunice, we are called by God to teach our children the truth, and through our example, to stand on faith alone.

Yes, times are hard, standing firm in our faith is tested daily, but we have been given a tremendous gift of power, love and self discipline through Christ. If we believe that God indeed has given us these gifts, there really is no room for fear.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21