Romans 12:12- “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Some perceive ‘hope’ as an unfulfilled dream that will never come to fruition. Some deem patience as a 30-second endeavor, which must yield instantaneous blessings. Some view prayer as nothing more than a last resort when they feel like their world is turning upside down. “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7. Only you, LORD.

When doctors can’t cure an illness, our hope is in You, LORD. When our bodies waste away and our minds become forgetful my hope is in You, LORD. Thus, when hope reaches its end, patience of an indomitable will takes over. Patience to see a world who will choose serving others than their own desires. Patience to see shopping take a backseat to fellowship. This should be our prayer, as it is not my intention to dampen the holiday. This is a reminder that we can’t forget CHRISTmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ first and foremost, Who is our confident hope. This makes everything else secondary. God bless and Merry Christmas.

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 24, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.