AUSTIN PERINE: HOPE FROM A HERO

Austin Perine is a hero, who brings hope to the homeless every week along with the usual chicken sandwiches and his advice to “show love!” He seems to be a natural at showing the love for which he so frequently advises.

The people Austin helps will often return his kindness and optimism with genuine smiles even in the midst of dire circumstances. Many in need are reaping the benefits of his presence in their lives. Those accepting his chicken sandwiches also receive love and hope.

Their gain from a positive connection with Austin is more than just physical. The amazing change in their countenance is evidence of a deeper emotional change. The difference is visible; their look becomes less depressed and more hopeful as if Austin’s joy and optimism are infectious.

Maybe such a change is to be expected when one experiences a real hero, especially a self-proclaimed “Super Hero” with super powers and wearing his own cape!  Maybe that’s not really surprising when you realize he’s only four years old!

Austin’s parents have my respect. They are doing something right in their parenting roles. May God bless them as they continue to guide him. May Austin always use his special gift to help others. May the rest of us learn by his example to show love!

 

Psalm 146:7: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry….”

Visit Austin’s website @ presidentaustin.org to learn more about this great American super hero in Alabama who plans to run for President when he’s old enough. Until then he’s getting used to the sound of “President Austin Perine” and often uses the alias. I think it has a nice sound to it!

ISRAEL: HOPE and BLESSINGS

“Today we finally acknowledge the obvious: that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.” (President Donald Trump, December 6, 2017)

President Trump fulfilled an important promise (and recognized reality) when he announced that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and then officially opened the U.S. Embassy there on May 14, 2018.

Unfortunately for decades our Presidents promised to do this while campaigning, but none kept their promises after gaining office. Seventy years to the day after the State of Israel was declared in 1948… finally a president did what needed to be done in opening the US Embassy in Jerusalem.

Israel is one of America’s strongest allies, and President Trump is showing that he is supporting them as he promised to do. My regret is that it took so long for a US President to take such a significant stand. The fact that he took this stand gives me hope.

Is Israel important to America? A better question may be whether Israel is important to God. The Bible states plainly God’s views regarding Israel and other nations, “I will bless those who bless you, and the ones who curse you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)

If one does not believe the Bible, then these words have no meaning, but if one believes it, then the meaning is clear. We must support Israel and stand with her. Doing so brings hope and blessings, and failing to do so brings curses.

I want to be on God’s side, and if that means Israel’s side, then that’s where I want to be. If my president stands there also, then that makes me a more hopeful American and citizen of the planet.