The power of being positive

There are many many books on family bookshelves about the power of positive thoughts. People talk about positive thought. We hear sermons on positive thought. But are we positive? As Christians, I believe there is just no other way to be.
So what is so tough about being positive? Why are we so quick to think the worst? In parenting, I do not think there is ANY attribute my children will learn though example as strong as this one! Be POSITIVE! There is good in every situation!
I was talking to my friend Natalie about this last night. We have a dear friend, Anne Marie, who is being tested for cancer. She has had melanoma in the past and fear is so great for all of us who know her. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what we do know. Fear is such a tough obstacle!
I truly believe that this week when tests are completed and she has her path of treatment before her, understanding will overwhelm fear. When we all know exactly what to pray for. When we know what her needs will be....we can reconcile fear and replace it with love and service.
As Christians, we should always have understanding. "Should" is so hard for us! We should always know, even when we doubt, even when we do not understand, God is always in control. God knows what the needs are, God understands fear, God gives us strength to replace that fear....we just have to look for it, grasp it, take it. God will provide.
In the face of cancer we all want to cave in. Give up. Fall down. BUT, God has a plan....it might have us on the ground in prayer, but not defeat. We might give up on one plan of thought....only to pick up faith. Faith that makes the impossible possible!
My sister Stacy died at such a young age with Cancer. Her last two years of life were a struggle against this disease. She is perhaps the ultimate of examples for me....and I feel like for all who knew her. From the day she was diagnosed she never "let a day end", she chose the ending! She never ended a day anyway other than the way she intended. She truly lived everyday as if it were her last! She let nothing slide. We might be sitting together, as we did often in her last months, and she would just look ever and say "I love you". Those moments stick! Those moments are powerful! Those moments, in the middle of the hardest times in life are some of the most positive I have ever had. I think about Gods plans for us and I am so often awed. I do not always understand them, but I hope to someday.
When need positive thought......it cannot come from a book written by man. But we have one written from our Heavenly Father, a book that shows us peace, faith, hope and joy....but especially love!
I do think , following my study of Job, that I EVER want to be as Job's friends. I never want to open my mouth and spout off my opinions. I will strive to always be supportive and loving...to serve and care. ...to pray without ceasing for those I love.
Times like this do require positive thinking.....and I cannot think of any more positive outlet for my love and concern than prayer!!!