Introduction

       My name is Edwin C. Martinez Jr., although I'm more commonly known as Cease.  I am 23 years old and I hail from Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City.  I am what you would call a prodigal son; having left my home off into the world, where I've made terrible decisions, been lost, endured failures time and time again, but now being glad to say I am now where I belong.  Home.  Home to learn the lessons I have avoided for so long and since then many things have changed in my life, most if not all, for the better.  I am a Christian, but do not be alarmed, for I am not like many that you may have seen religiously walking towards the steeple every Sunday saying my "amens" and "God bless you's".  I am not religious, I only believe in relationship.  Relationship with God is to walk in His abounding love with conversation, obedience and faith, but unfortunately many Christians don't have a relationship with God.  That being said, there are many not seen living with the love that we all proclaim to know.  I apologize if a Christian has ever hurt you.  Please have grace, for we are not perfect, especially me; full of flaws and imperfections, I write to you NOT as a believer to a sinner, NOT as a believer to a believer NOR as a greater to a lesser, but as equal siblings under the love of the Most High God.  I extend this great love, which I have undeservingly received, onto you and also thank you for the time you've sacrificed to read this.  I promise that this blog will be fruitful to your heart and spirit.  As we go through life together, through the storms and the blessings, I pray that this blog helps you to endure and to have faith.  I know life is hard, so I dedicate this blog for the sake of any that seek encouragement and love.  Jesus loves you and as cliche as it sounds, it is true, but also this blog would be a waste if I didn't let you know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and has vowed to lead us through prosperous lives, past the pains and the struggles that will indeed come in this life.  Also, I ask that you do not be fooled to think that I am this clever and generous man, for it is through Christ and Christ alone that I reach out to you with love and hope.
       I've decided to start "Through the Lens of Light" to invoke a change in my life, as well as yours.  The meaning behind the title comes from our vision and how we choose to perceive life as it comes.  The world we live in is so fractured from sin, we have to deal with daily hardships with finances, relationships, workplaces, family, school, marriage, crime, hate, discrimination, slavery, human trafficking, hunger, poverty, etc. and as if all that isn't hard enough, we still burn with the desires to learn who we are, who we are meant to be, what are our callings in life and how do we chase our dreams.  Sometimes, seeing the circumstances of the world as bleak as they can be, can negatively alter the way we see things and the way we react to them.  It isn't easy being human, but God knows this and so God had this written:

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God." 

- Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)

       So have faith and hope in the future and focus not on the storms ahead, but shift your perspectives to the light beyond at the finish of this race. God bless you all.

With Love and Blessings,

Cease The Messenger