At first I wasn't going to bother with this post but I did and was unsure how I would feel about it but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am not one to focus on the end of the world, I don't even like movies with that theme. Things may look bad at any given time but that does not mean things will not change for the better, yes one day Jesus will return I do not doubt that but I doubt it will be in my lifetime.
Thank you! I needed this today--"doom-scrolling" has taken on a whole new meaning in recent days, and I've been doing too much of that. As an octogenarian, I'll admit that I am weary, and the call to "do *something*" makes me feel anxious and guilty, so it is good to be reminded that "doing something" is often an internal matter. A few days ago I had a lovely conversation on Facebook with a woman I've known since childhood whose posts I regularly have to hide, because they tend to reflect misinformation and conspiratorial beliefs--and here we were, briefly connecting. I thought, "What if I had simply "unfriended" her?" I would have missed a chance to be reminded that we share our lives with many people who may not be exactly enemies, but whose opinions and choices we believe can be damaging to all of us--and yet...they are God's beloved, too. Jesus never said it would be easy--but he does remind us that he's not going anywhere, even when we're falling apart and freaking out. There's a saying that's been attributed to many different sources, and is perhaps trite, but has some real truth: "Everything will be all right in the end--and if it's not all right, then it's not the end."
Amen! When we pray for our enemies and FIND compassion and mercy for them, that’s when we feel hopeful and at peace. It isn’t easy, nor is it automatic - it’s a CHOICE. But it’s the right choice, according to Jesus.
Thank you Jake, I really needed this reset today. The overgrown path ahead is clearer now.
Overgrown it is! Thanks Charlie
Bishop I am also inspired by your unique gift to speak to the human spirit. This was so timely and encouraging. Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you, my friend! So grateful for you
“We have the radical freedom to choose to love.” Amen.
Thank you. God s peace
With God all things are possible. Thank you Jake..
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Phil 4:13. Thank you Jake. God's peace. Have a safe trip
On the way home as I type
At first I wasn't going to bother with this post but I did and was unsure how I would feel about it but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am not one to focus on the end of the world, I don't even like movies with that theme. Things may look bad at any given time but that does not mean things will not change for the better, yes one day Jesus will return I do not doubt that but I doubt it will be in my lifetime.
Thanks for hanging in there, Aussie Jo.
Thank you! I needed this today--"doom-scrolling" has taken on a whole new meaning in recent days, and I've been doing too much of that. As an octogenarian, I'll admit that I am weary, and the call to "do *something*" makes me feel anxious and guilty, so it is good to be reminded that "doing something" is often an internal matter. A few days ago I had a lovely conversation on Facebook with a woman I've known since childhood whose posts I regularly have to hide, because they tend to reflect misinformation and conspiratorial beliefs--and here we were, briefly connecting. I thought, "What if I had simply "unfriended" her?" I would have missed a chance to be reminded that we share our lives with many people who may not be exactly enemies, but whose opinions and choices we believe can be damaging to all of us--and yet...they are God's beloved, too. Jesus never said it would be easy--but he does remind us that he's not going anywhere, even when we're falling apart and freaking out. There's a saying that's been attributed to many different sources, and is perhaps trite, but has some real truth: "Everything will be all right in the end--and if it's not all right, then it's not the end."
Thank you for sharing this story, Mary! And I love that old saying (can't remember where it comes from either).
I thought there might be an R.E.M. track at the end of this post, Jake. 😊
Thanks for your uplifting reminders, as usual. Life is messy, but Jesus is with us, thankfully.
Hah! Now I've got an REM earworm, Angie! Blessings from Montreal
Hope you feel fine just like Michael did when he sang it! Return blessings from Pennsylvania.
Amen! When we pray for our enemies and FIND compassion and mercy for them, that’s when we feel hopeful and at peace. It isn’t easy, nor is it automatic - it’s a CHOICE. But it’s the right choice, according to Jesus.
A choice... with God's help. Blessings Korie