Good News in a Broken World: 4 Stories That Bring Hope and Light

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Our world often feels heavy, doesn’t it? Between war, division, and loss, we’re overwhelmed with grief to the point of sorrow. And yet, what if I told you hope still whispers in the small corners of everyday life? Would you believe me? Maybe it’s time we remember to turn on the light. 

While many stories of God’s goodness are all around us, here are 4 that show us, even now, light is breaking through the cracks, the broken places of you and me. Across the globe, ordinary people are doing extraordinary and miraculous things. They’re showing love, rebuilding hope, giving generously without reproach, and living out the Gospel. 

What if the best headlines aren’t the ones that make us fearful, but the ones that remind us God is moving on our behalf?

Neighbors Rebuild After the Storm

After a category 5 hurricane hit Jamaica, many were left without food, clothing, or shelter. While hurricanes are horrible natural disasters, the impact of Hurricane Melissa runs deep. Countries like Jamaica are small and will need an immense amount of help to properly recover. In Tennessee, one restaurant has stepped up to the plate to make a difference. 

Ouida Bradshaw, the owner of Jamaica Way Restaurant, has deep Jamaican roots. While she first came to the United States in 1996, she said that a part of her and her heart will always remain on that island. 

Today, Bradshaw has been serving Jamaican cuisine for the last 26 years. In response to the natural disaster, she’s decided to donate 10% of her sales to those recovering from the destruction and spread the word. Why? Because it’s the right, biblical, and Good Samaritan thing to do:

“I know the hardship that some people go through, and on top of that, to be faced with this devastation to their homes, our property, our businesses [it’s devastating],” Bradshaw said. Partnering with Pastor Gordan Jones at Riverside Nashville, a division of an international church network that operates ADRA, a global disaster agency, all donations will focus on purchasing the essentials—generators, food, clothing, and medical supplies. 

Despite the measure of damage, Jones and Bradshaw remain hopeful: “Jamaicans are very resilient people. They have faced a lot of things in their lifetime,” Bradshaw said. Galatians 6:2 matches the motivation behind their actions: “The Bible says that we should take care of our neighbors… we should make sure our neighbors are doing well as we are doing well,” said Jones. 

Gospel Goes Viral

If one social media platform is impacting this generation, it’s TikTok. While many controversies exist around its usage, one Content Creator is determined to use the platform to make the Gospel go viral. 

John C. Dirks, host of the Dirks Podcast, has used Halloween, one of the most debated holidays, as an opportunity to have Jesus “take over Halloween.” Instead of following trends rooted in vanity or quick fads, Dirks is encouraging believers to create and share a new wave of good—to take over the algorithm by shining the light of Jesus to all. 

According to his reel posted on October 29th, “Over 1 Million people have seen the Halloween takeover for Jesus challenge, and thousands of Christian’s are going to be posting a video of themself sharing the gospel on October 31, using the hashtag #gospelgoesviral.” Instead of choosing sides in the Halloween debacle, Dirks says this Halloween is a beautiful opportunity to set aside these differences and share the Gospel. Dirks believes this could be the largest share of the Gospel in all of history. 

As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (NIV). Will you share the Gospel and shine Jesus’ light this Halloween?