I woke up this morning feeling rested and ready to start my day. I stretched, and glanced at the clock on the night stand. I read '4:18'. I rubbed my eyes thinking they were playing a trick on me. Marley realized I was awake and promptly encouraged me to follow through. I got up, making my way to the shadows looming in the kitchen. The boys (Marley and Meko) followed me outside to find the paper, somewhere in the driveway, only to remember we aren't getting a paper two days a week now. As I walked down the sidewalk, motion sensor lights marked my path. When I reached the front of the house I heard a faint tapping noise, it sounded like on medal? The fog started to drift from my brain, and my eyes caught sight of the American flag, proudly showing her colors, flapping in this mornings breeze. The pulley gently tapped the flag pole, as if to say, "I'm here representing all the men and women who have fought the valiant fight, so that you could live in a country so free." And reminding me that freedom isn't free. For a few moments, tears welled in my eyes. I was standing, in the dark on the sidewalk beside my home. I do not live in a war zone. I do not live in a neighborhood where we are threatened by 'drive-by-shootings'. I live in a neighborhood where we all look out for each other.
The sun just woke up, and the little bird "alarm clock" must have gone off, because they are outside announcing the beginning of a brand new day. During my devotions this morning, I lifted several people, families up in prayer. I don't remember which devotional admonished me to keep praying, not to give up. Don't stop praying. Keep trusting the Lord. Love the people the Lord puts in your path. I've been praying for peace for what seems a very long time. The flag whipping in the wind this morning reminded me, not to give up. Keep praying for peace. I'm praying our country can come together. After all, our name implies we are...together. The United States of America. Stop fighting, stop hating, stop judging. That first little bird, whose voice I recognized, was singing a worship and praise song. I have hope. I have peace, and I choose joy.
A verse that soothes my soul is in Psalms. "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears"(Psalms 34:4, NIV). What would this country look like if we looked through a lens of love?
Certainly not a time to give up. Although I feel that many who live paycheck to paycheck and are renters or homeowners with heavy mortgage obligation, may be under great strain if they have lost their jobs. For those that are in that terrible situation, I hope that they will think through what they are doing and see if there are other options for employment rather than just despairing or waiting for handouts to save them.
Those of us economically sound and free from disease at this time, are the fortunate ones who can greet the morning the way we always have, with joy and looking forward to another day.
Galatians: The Easy Study Bible Commentary
This commentary is for you if you struggle to understand the New Testament and would like to discover what God’s word has to say to you!
In Galatians: The Easy Study Bible Commentary, I hav
The Christian Church faces many challenges today that threaten to disrupt its life and mission. This book appraises the trinitarian ecclesiology of John Zizioulas and Jurgen Moltmann and proposes that the Church is a creation of the Holy Trinity thr
If you long to discover your spiritual gifts, understand your calling, and become more effective in God's Kingdom, this book will provide a solid biblical foundation for your journey.
Hello Bird
