One of my amazing youth pastors at one point gave me a word i have carried closely with me til this day. “Kim,” he lovingly said, “don’t let the hard things of this world turn your soft heart cold and calloused.”
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Let’s Chew on that for a moment.
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I come to that word again today.
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Here we sit, 6-almost 7-months in to 2020. A year many of us did not anticipate. A global pandemic. Strangers, Friends, Family and acquaintances very sick, some dying or on the verge. Job loss, salary loss, extra stress at home, kids schooling at home, an almost worldwide shelter in order for several months. Racial injustice and inequity, protests and rioting, political unrest and division, broken families and broken systems. Quarreling on social media. Social distancing. Uncertain times. When will the world be safe? Can i leave my house without a mask? Can i leave my house period?
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I don’t have the answers but i do recall those words of my mentor.
I am responsible for the condition of my heart. For my words. For my actions. For my love.
I believe Scripture that tells us the world will get a lot worse before it gets better.
One day there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
Until then?
Lord we invite you in. Our world is broken. We, are broken. In need of saving. We are sinful, fallen, biting and devouring one another. We need your love. We need your peace. We need your guidance and leadership. Teach us to love. Teach us to forgive. Teach us to have faith. We need your sustenance and provision. Without you, we are lost. We have gone our own way.
I pray for our hearts. May those who have been struggling and weary be strengthened, loved, encouraged, comforted.
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May our hearts stay soft- to the Lord who will carry us through, and for one another.
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