Live to be the Light

“Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Acts 9:39 NIV

In a heartbreaking story about a life cut short by tragedy aired by the Daily Mail recently, it was reported that eerie footage captured elite Houston runner Lilia Vazquez's last moments before she was tragically struck and killed. The family of the accomplished runner is now pleading for help in finding the driver responsible for her death. Vazquez, 61, was preparing to run in the Houston Marathon next week as an invited Elite Runner. She was hit while jogging along Westpark, between Ocee and Jeanetta, early Friday morning. As a testament to her character and why Lilia will be missed by so many, it was said that “On Monday, several of Vazquez's running friends gathered at her home wearing medals from the marathons she had won across the country. ‘She had a natural gift for running. She's a mentor to a lot of us, she's a pillar in the running community, and hundreds of people love this woman,' Brenda Gonzalez, one of her friends, said.” Known as a woman who was always praying, it was said that she also touched countless lives through her work at Baylor over the past four years, where she dedicated herself to helping patients in the physical therapy unit. Talk about living a life that made a difference in the lives of others. 

And, you know, living to make a difference in the lives of others by selflessly using the time, talents, and treasures God has given us is something we, and every other believer, should be known for. It was certainly something Dorcas was known for, being described as a woman who “was always doing good and helping the poor.” Dorcas was so beloved, in fact, that when she became sick and died, her fellow disciples sent two men to meet Peter and beg him to come at once. Upon arriving, Peter “was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” She was obviously adored by the many people she helped who rejoiced when Peter, by the power of Jesus working in him, brought her back to life. 

So look for ways to be “the light of the world” by making a difference in the lives of others while you still have the chance my friend. As these two stories show, it can be as simple as clothing the poor, mentoring someone, praying for those in need, or helping people heal. Whatever gift God has given you, use it for His glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all unique gifts and abilities. Help us to recognize ways we can use these to make a difference in the lives of others and to lead the lost to the One who inspires these acts of love and kindness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!