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Healthy Habits: A message for the future
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By Jennifer Wimmer
As this column is placed into a time capsule to be opened in 50 years, I find myself writing not just for today’s readers, but for a future I will likely never see.
If you are reading this in 2076, know that this message was written with hope, faith and deep love for you.
In every generation, no matter the challenges or the triumphs, one truth remains constant: love matters most.
Not just loving others, but learning first to be kind to yourself.
That may sound simple, but it is often the hardest place to begin. We live in a world that can be critical, demanding and, at times, overwhelming. Yet if we are to truly love others the way God calls us to, we must understand that we are already deeply loved.
The Bible reminds us of that love through Christ Jesus, who took the punishment for our sins and gave His life for us. That kind of love is not small. It is not conditional. It is immeasurable and has the power to break every chain and lift every burden.
When you know you are loved like that, it changes how you see yourself and how you treat others.
So be kind. Offer help. Look beyond your own needs. Encourage someone. Forgive. These are not just good habits; they are life-giving ones.
But also remember this: Do not be afraid.
The phrase “do not be afraid” appears throughout the Old and New Testaments, as a reminder that fear does not have the final say. No matter what your world looks like as you read this, whether peaceful or uncertain, God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is good all the time, all-knowing, all-loving and still in control. Because of that, you can stand firm.
If you are reading this in 2076, know that this message was written with hope, faith and deep love for you.
In every generation, no matter the challenges or the triumphs, one truth remains constant: love matters most.
Not just loving others, but learning first to be kind to yourself.
That may sound simple, but it is often the hardest place to begin. We live in a world that can be critical, demanding and, at times, overwhelming. Yet if we are to truly love others the way God calls us to, we must understand that we are already deeply loved.
The Bible reminds us of that love through Christ Jesus, who took the punishment for our sins and gave His life for us. That kind of love is not small. It is not conditional. It is immeasurable and has the power to break every chain and lift every burden.
When you know you are loved like that, it changes how you see yourself and how you treat others.
So be kind. Offer help. Look beyond your own needs. Encourage someone. Forgive. These are not just good habits; they are life-giving ones.
But also remember this: Do not be afraid.
The phrase “do not be afraid” appears throughout the Old and New Testaments, as a reminder that fear does not have the final say. No matter what your world looks like as you read this, whether peaceful or uncertain, God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is good all the time, all-knowing, all-loving and still in control. Because of that, you can stand firm.
Scripture tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we keep our focus on Him, everything else falls into place.
We are also reminded in Nehemiah 8:10 that “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is not dependent on circumstances. It is based in something deeper — a steady assurance that we are never alone.
When life feels like a battle, remember Ephesians 6, which tells us to put on the full armor of God. Our struggles are not against what we see. There is a spiritual battle, and we are equipped to stand strong through faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. The shield in God’s armor IS our faith. The sword is His Word.
That means we do not measure truth by what is happening around us, but by the promises of God. And one of His greatest promises is this: He will never leave you or forsake you; not ever. That promise is specifically stated in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, and you can trust in it. God’s Word is true and He is faithful to His Word.
We are also reminded in Nehemiah 8:10 that “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is not dependent on circumstances. It is based in something deeper — a steady assurance that we are never alone.
When life feels like a battle, remember Ephesians 6, which tells us to put on the full armor of God. Our struggles are not against what we see. There is a spiritual battle, and we are equipped to stand strong through faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. The shield in God’s armor IS our faith. The sword is His Word.
That means we do not measure truth by what is happening around us, but by the promises of God. And one of His greatest promises is this: He will never leave you or forsake you; not ever. That promise is specifically stated in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, and you can trust in it. God’s Word is true and He is faithful to His Word.
As we think about faith over fear, I also find myself thinking about our country and the kind of people we are becoming. Sometimes there isn’t much encouragement of patriotism, which to me simply means loving your country while still caring about other countries and our brothers and sisters who live in them.
Some openly discourage patriotism and mock it, saying it is “nationalism.” Sometimes those people shame others for their show of patriotism, which can result in the feeling of being embarrassed about showing a love of your own country. That is a real shame. Don’t fall into that trap! Unless you only love your own country, it’s patriotism, not nationalism. Don’t be fooled.
Real love for a country is not blind. It can see the flaws and still choose to be grateful for the good, to work for what is better and to honor those who sacrificed so we could live with the freedoms we have today.
Have you ever watched the Honor Guard fold the American flag, one careful triangle at a time, and wondered why they do it that way? The flag is folded 13 times, a reminder of the original colonies, and over the years a set of meanings has been tied to each fold.
The first fold is a reminder of life and how precious it is. The second reflects a belief in eternal life, that there is more than what we see right now. The third honors the veterans who stepped forward to defend this country and were willing to give their lives for peace.
The fourth fold points to our human weakness and our need for God’s guidance in both peaceful and troubled times. The fifth is a tribute to our country itself — not a perfect nation, but our home. The sixth speaks to where our hearts rest, as we pledge allegiance “to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The seventh fold honors the men and women of our armed forces, who stand between our country and those who would do it harm. The eighth remembers those who have walked through “the valley of the shadow of death,” echoing the comfort of Psalm 23. The ninth is a nod to womanhood and to the faith, love and steady devotion that have helped shape so many families and communities.
The 10th fold honors fathers, and all parents, who have given sons and daughters in service to this country — and who, like so many men and women in uniform, have also answered that call themselves. The 11th is said to represent the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in Christian tradition, is seen as a picture of eternity and a way of giving glory to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The 13th and final fold leaves the blue field of stars showing at the top, reminding us of our national motto: “In God we trust.”
When the flag is fully folded and tucked in, it forms a shape that looks like the tricorne hats worn during the Revolutionary War, calling to mind the early soldiers and sailors — and all who have served since then — to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
Kentucky has a big birthday this year too. On June 1, the Commonwealth of Kentucky celebrated 234 years of statehood. Sixteen years from now, Kentucky will be celebrating 250 years. And Vastwood Park in Hancock County, where the time capsule will be buried on 4th of July, is 50 years old this year.
Our nation is reaching that same milestone of 250 years of independence from British tyranny this year, in 2026. It is a good time to pause and remember where we have been, where we are and where we hope to go.
As we celebrate our country and our commonwealth, I also think about what it means to belong. In small towns and tight-knit communities, it can be beautiful when people look out for one another. But it can also be deeply painful when someone is left out.
In a large city, you might be able to blend into the crowd. In a small community, it is much harder to miss the fact that everyone else seems connected and you are not. When you feel excluded, it is not just a passing moment. It can settle in your heart and make you question your own worth.
That is why it matters so much that we remember what Scripture says about each of us being made in the image of God. No one is an accident. No one is less deserving of love or respect because of their past, their struggles or their circumstances. Christ Jesus did not draw close only to the people who already fit in. He reached out to the ones on the outside looking in.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” (Matthew 5:9). That includes making peace with yourself and with those around you. Being a peacemaker in a small town can look like inviting someone to sit with you, making room at your table at a restaurant, offering a kind word when it would be easier to stay quiet, or choosing not to join in when others tease or gossip.
We are to live by the “Golden Rule” and do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12). We are not to do as they do, but as we would have them do, and not simply react to how we are treated or go along with the popular group in bullying and shunning others.
That is not easy, especially when we are hurting. But it becomes more possible when we start by receiving God’s love for ourselves, forgiving our own mistakes and letting Him heal those places where we have felt unwanted or unseen.
Self-love means caring for yourself enough to choose what is good and healthy. It is a shift in mindset, focusing on what builds you up rather than what tears you down. You cannot serve others well if you are running on empty. You cannot give away what you don’t have. It is much easier to obey God’s command to love each other if we start with ourselves. It is also easier to forgive when we forgive ourselves, and it’s easier to be kind when we are first kind to ourselves.
Think about how a parent wants their child to be healthy, whole and at peace. That is what our Heavenly Abba wants for us. We are His children. He calls us to love others, forgive them and not judge or condemn. We are also to love and forgive ourselves, and show mercy to ourselves when we fall short.
We are better representatives of Christ Jesus (Yeshua) when we are healthy and whole. As Christians, we are called to be one united body of Christ Jesus, working together to advance the kingdom of heaven on earth. Scripture also reminds us to be ready, like a bride awaiting the bridegroom, for Christ Yeshua’s return (Matthew 25:1-13).
As you read this, wherever you are and whatever you are facing, I hope you hold on to that truth. If you have never accepted that love for yourself, you can do that right now.
You can pray: “Heavenly Abba, I know that I am a sinner. I believe You are the one and only true God, and that You sent your only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, the Messiah. Please forgive me of all trespasses and help me to forgive others. Christ Jesus, thank you for paying my sin debt. Thank you for defeating my enemy, in the flesh. Thank you for providing for my divine health on all levels. By your wounds, I have been healed (1 Peter 2:24). Thank you for laying your life down for me. There is no greater friend than you! And thank you for going to hell in my place, so I didn’t have to go. Thank you God for rising Him up from the dead on the third day. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy and grace. Thank you for Christ Jesus. Thank you for your Holy Spirit Baptism. It is no longer I who lives; it is Christ Jesus who lives in me. The Greater One now lives on the inside of me, than he who is in this world. No weapon formed against me will prosper. I’m adopted into a new family now and my generations only go back to You, Heavenly Abba. You have now seated me at your right-hand side, with Christ Jesus. I am a joint heir to the Kingdom of Heaven. I am a citizen of Heaven, and the enemy is beneath my feet. My name is written in the Book of Life. I am washed clean by the Blood of the Lamb. I’ve been made righteous by His Righteousness. Take my life. Help me renew my mind. Conform me more and more into the image of your Son, Christ Jesus. Help me to always put you first, to abide in you, to always hear you clearly in your guidance to me, and to obey you. I am now free, because who the Son sets free is free indeed. Thank you, Heavenly Abba. Thank you, Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.”
Christ Jesus is the best friend you’ll ever have. He IS the Lion of Judah. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Every knee shall bow to the Name above ALL names, Christ Jesus. He is Commander in Chief over all earthly and heavenly realms.
Fifty years from now, much will have changed. But this will not: God is faithful. His Word is true. His love endures forever. Christ Jesus ransomed us. He broke the curse. It is finished. It is written. We now face a defeated foe. That’s the Good News. It will never go “out of style,” as it is eternal. Our salvation is assured. We will now live in Heaven when we die and have eternal life. We will not face the fiery death.
I’m thankful for this space, where I can share my own heart. As a journalist, I work to keep my opinions out of the articles I write. Most of my work must stay carefully free of opinion, so I am especially grateful for this column as a place to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus.
Take care of your health, body, mind and spirit. Serve God first, then family, then country. Above all else, choose love. Choose forgiveness. Choose kindness. You would not want to live in a world where those principles are left behind.
Be well and God bless you.
Posted in Lifestyles, Local News 2
