Be The Sunshine E-Book

Sunshine Rodgers

• Herausgeber: RWG Publishing
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

The one difficulty with having the name Sunshine is that people expect me to be…. well, sunshine all the time.
 
I have learned over time to embrace the Sunshine-ness that is my name. Yes, I may not always be joyful or exuberant all the time, but I have learned that if I rely on my friends, my family, and my faith, I can conquer each day head-on and live every moment with an expectation of goodness.
 
And that's what I wanted to share in this book, Be the Sunshine. It's not a book about how to be happy or seven ways to stay positive. These pages are about being yourself, showing the world your true colors, and being mindful of the moment. These chapters contain personal stories so that we all can experience love and joy for ourselves as well as shining that light on those around us!
 
So, just follow my voice. When it comes to being the sunshine, well, I know the way! 
 

Leseprobe

Be The Sunshine

Sunshine Rodgers

Published by RWG Publishing, 2022.

Be The Sunshine

––––––––

By Sunshine Rodgers

Be The Sunshine © 2022 By Sunshine Rodgers

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

Table of Contents

Part I: Act In Kindness

Part II: Shout Goodness!

Part III: A Fresh Perspective

Part IV: The Power of Love

Part V: Why Do We Not Help?

My Prayer For You!

Acknowledgements Section

BOOKS BY SUNSHINE RODGERS

A True Commitment

A Sneak Peek Into Chapter One

“May those who love God rise like the sun

in all its power!”

- Judges 5:31 (NLT)

Is that your real name?

I have been asked this question more times than I can count!  I started to make a joke out of it, telling people I have a twin sister named Storm (and they actually believe me!).

But yes, my real name is indeed... Sunshine. I’ll never forget that one man who asked to see my Driver’s License as confirmation since he could not believe someone would have that name.

When you grow up with a name like Sunshine, you are the only one! The only Sunshine in the class. The only Sunshine in the Yearbook. The only Sunshine in the corporate email thread. From a young age, I was used to standing on my own.

Other people quickly remember me because of my unique name. This is unfair. I have a horrible memory and I struggle to put a name to a face. I’m placing this right here as an asterisk in case I ever call you a nickname in a conversation. There’s a good chance I’m not quite sure who you are...

And my name has put me in rather awkward predicaments. For example, there are a ton of Sunshine songs out there!  And every so often I feel like my life is a Musical because I will be introduced to a stranger who will then proceed to sing to me (likely off-key) a Sunshine song.

My personal favorite is Steal my Sunshine though I hope no one does literally steal me. And what’s the deal with the song, Walking on Sunshine? I am not about to let anyone walk all over me!

I digress. My life hasn’t been that bad! But the one difficulty with having the name Sunshine is that people expect me to be.... well, sunshine all the time.

I had a problem with this growing up. I viewed any emotion other than ‘happy’ as being inappropriate for me to feel. So, I would bottle up my emotions and not express how I really felt for fear that I would be judged or condemned. I felt like I needed to be perfect, hoping no one would come up to me and say, Well, that wasn’t a very Sunshine-y thing to say or feel or do. I talk about this a little bit more in the next chapters as I open up about my upbringing and faith journey.

But I have learned over time to embrace the Sunshine-ness that is my name. (Did you know that my middle name also means Light!) Yes, I may not always be joyful or exuberant all the time, but I have learned that if I rely on my friends, my family, and my faith, I can conquer each day head-on and live every moment with an expectation of goodness.

I don’t have all of the answers, so I invited my friends to join me in writing this book! A special thank you to Ashalee Bingham, Steven Stein, Tim Stromer, Jeff Hosfeld, Marcia Baker, and Ileana Reyes for contributing to this piece. You’ll learn more about these extraordinary people in the pages ahead.

Together, we want to impress upon our community the importance of compassion, love, and generosity.  I want to highlight these real-life examples of people truly making a difference in our world! Follow their leading and be on the lookout for how you can change the atmosphere... for the better!

And that’s what I wanted to share in this book, Be The Sunshine. It’s not a book about how to be happy or seven ways to stay positive. These pages are about being yourself, showing the world your true colors, and being mindful of the moment. These chapters contain personal stories so that we all can experience love and joy for ourselves as well as shine that light on those around us!

So, just follow my voice. When it comes to being the sunshine, well, I know the way! 

– Sunshine Rodgers

Part I:Act In Kindness

What makes someone stand out to you?

Is it her stunning look or her outgoing personality? Do you relate to someone based on the clothes she wears, her make-up, or her stylish hairdo? You might have shared interests or similar backgrounds that make you feel tied to another individual.

But I would dare say that you connect with those who genuinely care about what is going on in your life.

We are all walking around totally consumed and completely enamored by our own needs, our own wants, and our own desires. Case in point, I am working on this book during my lunch break while the rest of my colleagues are downstairs enjoying a small pizza party.

I believe there is nothing wrong with pursuing personal goals, but can we be present and grateful for the moment? Can we stop and look at another human being? Can we choose to help others instead of being so... self-absorbed?

Talking to myself, can I put the pen down and join the party?

There are plenty of people in your life who love you and are truly loyal to you. But my question is... when was the last time you gave a little love back?

Is there anyone around you nearby? A co-worker perhaps? A family member watching TV on the couch? In my case, security guards working out in the lobby of a corporate building. Can you do something for me? Extend an act of kindness right where you are.

Say something positive to someone around you. A Good Job or I appreciate you! or a Thank you for being you! Bring a little sunshine into the room. 

If you are reading this book in the privacy of your own home, I would challenge you to text someone, I am thinking about you or make a phone call just to check up on a loved one.

I’ll join you. I’m texting my husband right now to tell him that I love him.

Remember, even if someone doesn’t respond, at least you sent positivity out there. It’s our effort and our willingness to act that creates love in motion.

Sometimes we put too much pressure on the words:

Sacrifice

Selfless

Serving

Humility

Giving

I know I do! But this does not have to be a stressful concept. It’s being aware of the opportunities that come our way. The people in your life right here and right now are no accident! God sent these specific people to you for a reason!

So, at the very least, smile at strangers walking past you in the parking lot. Wave at your neighbors. Strike up a conversation with the store clerk or thank the cleaning crew for making your office smell lavender fresh!

You don’t have to do a lot to make the world a better place.

“You don’t have to do a lot to make the world a better place.”

I want to introduce you to Jeff Hosfeld. You’ll be hearing from him a lot throughout this book.

Jeff is a retired Sergeant with over three decades in Law Enforcement, seventeen years in the armed forces and currently serves as a Chaplain for Volusia County Sherriff’s office. You can read more about Jeff and his experiences in the Acknowledgments section.

Jeff and I both serve on a Prayer Line, clocking in to meet the needs of God’s people.  I ask Jeff a very basic yet profound question, What do you do to make the world a better place?

Jeff thinks for a moment and quickly responds, “I believe that I help make my world better by allowing God to use me to utilize the talents and abilities he has given me to share the love of Christ. I think we all should be active in our communities, otherwise, we have nothing to complain about. Be out in your community and be willing to be used by God while making a difference.”

Jeff encourages me to stand up and be proactive. I can’t just sit and be a bystander to life. I need to be intentional about spreading the sunshine!

Proverbs 3:27-28 (MSG) says to “never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor Maybe some other time or Try me tomorrow when the money’s right there in your pocket” (emphasis mine).  

I may not feel like I have a lot to give... but the truth is, I have plenty of items in my love-utility belt! Let’s get started on how you too can be the Sunshine.

Be A Blessing!

You are a blessing when you can make someone smile, help them to forget about their bad day, show them kindness and assist them in any way.

“You are a blessing when you can make someone smile, help them to forget about their bad day, show them kindness and assist them in any way.”

Luke 3:11 (NLT) makes this statement clear. “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

I think this is a relatively simple statement: Give to others.

Well.... What should we give?

The answer:  What do you have?

There are certainly times when fear and insecurity grip me, and I can be closed-in and selfish, but I was taught that sharing is caring at a young age. I want the act of giving to be in my DNA and generosity to be flowing through my veins.

Matthew 10:8 (MSG) says that “you have been treated generously, so live generously.” This verse is a call to action but, let me warn you, it will mean taking your eyes off of.... yourself!

Giving to others and being selfless is a choice. I want to show kindness as a way of expressing my care for others in my family, out in my workplace, and in my community. I can give of my time by volunteering or serving in a Ministry. I can donate charitable funds to homeless shelters or missions. I can give my clothes and other household items to the needy. There are a million ways to give! Let’s have a sacrificial heart and be receptive to all the opportunities around us!

Ephesians 4:28 (NLT) says to “use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” I want to work hard at my job for multiple reasons. I want to pay my bills and financially contribute to the needs of my family.  I also understand that I am blessed to be a blessing, knowing my disposable income provides an opportunity to give into God’s Kingdom and to meet the needs of others around me.  

I strive to be a faithful and loving person who leaves my hand and my heart open for others.

I will say this: You are truly blessed! You have God’s hand of favor and goodness over you! I encourage you to share God’s love through your sacrificial giving and find new ways how you can be a blessing! Spread the joy!

Serve Others

Matthew 23:11 (NLT) talks about the importance of servanthood. “The greatest among you must be a servant.” This is a big deal! When you keep your ears open, you will hear the desperate cries of people who are struggling financially. Can you give to them? There are those who are weak in their bodies, unable to fully function in their mobility. Can you step up and be a good friend? There are people who feel depressed and discouraged. Can you encourage them? Being a servant will require you to be patient, humble, accessible, and willing to help.  

“Being a servant will require you to be patient, humble, accessible and willing to help.”

I serve on a Prayer Line for a prestigious Ministry. I love talking about God and the Bible to callers. I love bringing light into others’ darkness. When people have no one else to talk to...they can talk to me! I am a good listener, very patient, and give advice and godly counsel to each caller. I bring empathy and understanding to each conversation. I am very grateful for this assignment God has opened for me. 

Jeff Hosfeld shares his personal experience with me. “I serve as a volunteer Chaplain for my local Sherriff’s office. I often deal with people going through a difficult time. I try to resolve their situation as best as possible. I see how this is God’s new plan for me in my retirement and the Lord is showing me over and over again how he is using me to reach people.”

I love how even in his retirement years, Jeff serves as a beacon of hope and light to his community. There is never a better time than right now to be the sunshine!

It says in Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV), “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (emphasis mine).  A generous eye means... offering a car ride when someone needs one or volunteering to help when no one else will or listening to a person who needs some undivided attention. Just be there for someone. Period.

This call to action is extremely taxing. I get it!  I have my own schedule and my own agenda. I am someone who has each hour of every day accounted for, but I need to allow for some wiggle room on my schedule. When God tells me to move and to help, I need to respond with openness and a flexibility to share my faith and love.

Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) says that “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Know that God sees your kind deeds and he is very pleased with your Ministry efforts. Shower your community with sunshine and goodness. Love is a universal language. Let’s take the time to serve others.

Share Peace

I feel like our country is so divided lately!

I see people on opposite sides, insistent on their own way and attacking anyone with opposing viewpoints. Can we just .... not?

We are the United States, aren’t we? Well, can we just stand united? 

There will be people who think, act, and live differently than you. That does not mean you put them down, berate them, coerce them to your side or ignore them altogether.

In this world today, there is quite enough anger, retaliation, enough revenge, and violence. Can I be the one who initiates peace and chooses to walk in unity and love?

We are all humans with the same basic needs: love, acceptance, understanding, friendship, and mercy. We shouldn’t be against one another! Let’s find some common ground and view people as God sees them. Each person is valuable and precious!

Hebrews 12:14 encourages me to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Let me challenge you, before you post something on social media, ask...will this offend someone? Before you gossip to your co-worker, ask yourself...is this spreading unity in my workplace? Before you argue with your spouse, think...am I creating harmony in my marriage? Let’s initiate peace wherever we go!

I am a Believer in Jesus Christ so I am sure my social media posts about the Bible may offend some people, but I try to be sensitive about this as best I can. 

I may not agree with you. You may not agree with me. But we can certainly get along and not allow our differences to get in the way of a friendship. Whenever there is tension or strife, I encourage you to drop the disagreement, stop the argument, shake hands and just... let it go.

“Whenever there is tension or strife, I encourage you to drop the disagreement, stop the argument, shake hands and just let it go.”

Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) makes this concept clear. “With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (emphasis mine).  We shouldn’t arrive on the scene demanding our own way, pushing our faith on others. The act of loving in a peaceful way is listening, responding out of kindness, and bringing out the best in others.  I am an advocate of being friends with people first while sharing the gospel in a loving way.

I want to pause here and introduce you to my friend, Tim Stromer. I currently work with Tim (and Jeff Hosfeld) on the Prayer Line.

Tim married his high school sweetheart and is a father of eight and grandfather to three. Tim is the President of Jesus Food (JesusFood.org), a nonprofit dedicated to ending starvation worldwide. You can read more about Tim’s biography in the Acknowledgements section. I will be speaking to Tim Stromer many times throughout this book because his strength as a family man and Ministry worker are so vital to these pages.

I ask Tim how he maintains peace in the home since he has such a large family, and his answer is priceless. “Peace is a gift from God. Peace brings light and it guards our hearts and minds. When my kids would fight, my wife and I would calm them down and then pray with each child and have them make it right with their siblings. Sometimes correction or discipline would actually free their hearts... and there would be lots of hugs after.” 

I love Tim’s answer! My husband, Travis, and I live in harmony and tranquility within our four walls. No, our house is not a spa-like atmosphere with a masseuse and a running fountain and nice easy-going music playing all the time (I wish!). But peace in our marriage means that we try not to judge or be critical of the other. We listen openly, encourage often, and support the other one hundred percent. If we disagree, we are quick to end the banter, drop our pride and show humility. I want my house to be an escape from all the stress and trials in this world.

I pray God will send a spirit of peace over you as you give your concerns, worries, and fears over to him. Relax in his care. Peace begins in the heart.  Be a spreader of joy and good-will wherever you go. It makes all the difference in the world!

Pray For Others

Pray for me is a line I hear quite often. A friend will tell me how her day is going, share an update about her life and then end the conversation with... Pray for me, will you?

Back when I was fairly new in my Christian faith, I didn’t take prayer requests seriously, falsely believing that prayer isn’t necessary. I thought the situation or issue will just work itself out so why exude energy and strength on something that may or may not work.

I admit, I didn’t quite understand how fully powerful prayer is! James 5:16 (AMP) speaks more on this subject. "The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]."

Prayer is not something to shrug off or quickly dismiss. Prayer that is deeply seeded in the Word of God and fully ignited by faith greatly improves the situation, invites in the presence of God, and ultimately changes lives! Prayer is not just an end to a conversation, but the beginning of a Miracle.

“Prayer that is deeply seeded in the Word of God and fully ignited by faith greatly improves the situation, invites in the presence of God, and ultimately changes lives.”

Let me introduce you to Steven Stein who also works at the same Ministry with me, Tim Stromer and Jeff Hosfeld. Steven is the Supervisor for the Prayer Line, managing a team of forty associates. Steven has over thirty years of Ministry experience in various leadership roles within the Church, including nine years of higher education at a Christian University. You can read more about Steven and his experiences in the Acknowledgements section. You’ll be hearing a lot from Steven throughout this book.

Steven shares a personal story with me, highlighting the power of prayer. “When I was in college, I became mentally sick to the point where I was suffering from debilitating depression. I was unable to get out of bed for days. I suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks. As I lay there praying, crying out to the Lord for help, I heard his still small voice. He gave me these words from the Bible: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I prayed and thanked the Lord for this scripture.”

Steven continues his story. “I started to speak 2 Timothy 1:7 out loud to proclaim this Word over myself. Instantly, I felt something happening.  I just started to feel different. As the next few days passed, I felt prompted by the Lord to continually speak this Word out loud and over myself. Each day, I started to feel better and better to the point where I could rise out of bed and get back to living my life! The anxiety completely left me and the panic attacks stopped, never to return! I received freedom through prayer which is our direct communication with the Lord. This is why I believe prayer is important!”

I love Steven’s story about receiving healing and experiencing a breakthrough from prayer!

Don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer! If you are going through something extremely difficult right now, pray to God about it. Utilize that direct communication to reach Heaven about your needs, wants, and desires. Maybe you can relate to Steven’s story and you are currently facing a mental battle. Speak God’s promises out loud and cry out to the Father for help!

Jeff Hosfeld shares his personal battles and how prayer helped him at his darkest hour. “There is power in prayer, even when we don’t know what or how to pray.  When I was going through my battle with cancer, there were many times when I felt like I could not go on.  Even when I don’t feel like God is working, he is and has always gotten me through. As I look back on those truly difficult moments, I see how the Lord carried me and is now using my personal experiences to point others to Christ.”

Jeff’s story reminds me that God is my strong rock and constant support even during trying times!