By Jane Flack, founder of the Love Renewed course
The legend of the starfish.
When I heard this story it made a very real and lasting impact on me and the way I think. I still think of it when faced with what may seem an overwhelming problem.
There had been a terrible storm and the sea had washed up thousands of starfish onto the beach. The tide had gone out and the sun was now beating down on these stranded creatures who had no way back into the sea. Before the tide changed, they would most probably die from heat and dehydration.
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A little girl came down to the beach and seeing the plight of these stranded starfish she began picking them up and throwing them back into the sea, one by one. One by one a life was saved but thousands were still lying there in the heat.
An old man seeing the little girl said “ What difference can you make? There are thousands of them and they are going to die.” The little girl, as quick as a flash, picked up another little starfish and flung it back into the sea. She said to the old man, “ Well, I have made a difference to that one, it will live and so will this one and this one,” she said as she steadily worked, throwing each one as far out to see as possible.
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I have often looked at a situation and thought, this is way too big, too complicated, too dire for a single person like myself to make any difference at all. Problems like this overwhelmed me and at times I was paralyzed by my inability to make a difference until I learned that, sometimes, even a little is worth doing or giving, as a little can make a very real difference. It makes me think of Jesus when He took the fish and bread – the little – and multiplied it to make it more than enough. More than enough.
The world faces many problems today. We can easily make a long, long list of those things that are not good and need changing. There are wars, there is famine, there is pestilence, increasing immorality and people seem unable to tell the difference between right and wrong. And on top of that, the earth is facing huge climate changes. With all these things happening, all these seemingly insurmountable problems, the Lord says that we are to have dominion over the earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. (Psalms 115:16) The earth He has given to us.
Each one of us has talents and gifts that God has given us. Abilities that He has given to us so that we may steward well what we have. Each gift given so that we may be able do what He has called us to do. He equips us with what is necessary and then says, “Go.” Go to the other side of the world or maybe down the road, or next door.
Love Renewed
Love Renewed, like so may courses, is aimed at equipping, strengthening, teaching and laying a foundation so that our lives will make a difference where ever we may be. The Truths shared in the course will impact our marriages, children, friends and strangers and when practiced and shared, make a difference. The truth of the Gospel changes lives, one person at a time. It offers each individual a life changing experience and an opportunity to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther, as a young monk, took a powerful step to bring about change. Recognising that the Church had become disempowered by the teachings and traditions of man, he sought to expose the truth and, with great courage and determination, nailed the 95 arguments against the church’s abuse to the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. His hammer sparked into flame the restoration of the Church and brought about the Protestant movement. When he did this, he was simply hoping to delete some of the unscriptural practices from the church’s teachings. He had no idea the impact his actions and stand for the truth would have on the Church. That occurred on the 31st October 1517 and continues to impact us today.
My heart is for restoration of family, the restoration of broken lives and to see God’s truth impact, individuals, couples, communities. To make a difference. The lessons from Love Renewed continue to lay a solid foundation and offer women an opportunity to learn and apply truths that change relationships, build homes and bring change. The divorce statistics and fruit of broken homes can be overwhelming, which is why I shared the story of the Starfish. Each person, marriage or home restored makes a difference.
The course is free, easy to obtain and download. We also encourage ladies to run the course with a group themselves and will provide support wherever we can.
Join Zoom course in 2025
In 2025, I shall be offering Zoom courses for any women who may be interested. Nothing disqualifies you from joining as these practical truths are for all women – married, single, divorced or widowed, young or older.
Dates. January 22nd Wednesday Evening 19.30 (SA time)
January 23rd Thursday Morning. 10.00 (SA time)
There are 7 sessions and each will last about 1 ½ hours. Each lesson builds on the next and a manual is available to download and print. If you are interested please contact me.
Contact. Jane : janeflack@mweb.co.za
Our Website : www.love-renewed.com
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