At least a year has gone by since I last posted anything on this site. Hip replacement, shoulder replacement, and pain are just a few of the issues that have sidetracked my commitment to writing. The “sidetrack” was all part of graduating this gal into the company of others who already know what it means to be old. For my first time back, I had planned to write a light, humorous, and inspiring piece. However, I am compelled to address the current situation in some small way. Here are some thoughts:
Our world is hurting.
For years, I have heard hate speech, even from friends. I recoil from it. This is not God’s heart. Hate speech, labels, and fear-mongering have weaponized our country. I, who am not politically astute or mentally superior, could see it coming.
It was not the gun. It was the hate.
Guns in the hands of peaceful, loving people will not kill someone else. But we have produced hate and fear with our rhetoric.
And hate used the gun to kill.
So my question is and always will be, “Where is God?” As believers, we have the utmost responsibility to listen, not to the crowd but to God’s words and His Spirit that lives within each of us.
We know God is a God of love.
He is also a God of order, not chaos.
How do we restore order to our current world, which has stripped common sense and order from culture, replacing them with whatever “feels” right?
God has lovingly given us the guidebook to follow. As our Creator, He knows what is best for His creatures. He knows how he created us to function. If we love others, should we not love enough to encourage the kind of life that will work best for them?
We are not fighting a battle that is simply political or ideological. It is not a battle with flesh and blood; it is a spiritual battle waged in the spirit world. It is against the Prince of this world, who is deceiving and waging war with goodness and light.
Our marching orders as I see them: Listen to the Spirit (not the crowd). Stand for Truth, God’s Word. Join the heavenly battle through prayer. And continue to live and exemplify the love of our Creator.
Thank you! As always, your words are perfectly timed and perfectly appropriate. Thank you. Much love!
Rebekah, thank you for your kind and encouraging response.
I am still learning a new format on this site. I thought I had responded yesterday, but I see nothing here.
Thank you, Nancy! An abbreviated reply: His Truth is STILL Marching On!
I empathize with you in your pain. Two knee replacements and one shoulder and the other shoulder is angry right now. No hips yet but they are letting themselves be heard, too!
Wasn’t is C. S. Lewis that referred to pain as God’s megaphone? But he said it was in order “to rouse a deaf world!” He’s doing that now, too!!
Thanks, Don! I am always a little apprehensive about getting into any politial dialogues. This was a small nudge to remind us whose children we are. The same Father, the same Spirit, and who we are to imitate.
I think you have been through surgeries also, haven’t you?
Thank you for this writing Nancy. I love hearing your “voice”. I can see the warmth in your eyes. I miss you. May you continue with strength and comfort as you heal.
Thanks, Gayla! I am hesitant to address anything that shimmers of politics, but felt I had to at least say what was on my heart.