who matters?

So I saw this today--just up the street from me. And it made me cry. Not only a few tears, but also a runny nose and a heart that swelled so big...because while I do understand how people of certain races feel....what is happening across America affects us all...Riots. Looting. Destruction of businesses and property. This affects ALL of us! Looking for a job? Good luck, that business is either closed due to COVID or it was burned down. Homeless? was it because your apartment building burned down or your house is in shambles? I could go on...but you get the idea.

While it is tempting to want to choose sides, drawing that line in the sand is never a good idea. Jesus is such a good example of this. He came to show us the goodness, mercy and compassion of God. He advised us that while His Kingdom is not of this earth, we also must respect the authority here now that guides our day to day living. "Render to Caesar what is Caeser's, but give to God what is God's." (Matt. 22:21) Romans 13:1 also says, "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities." Yet the hatred that spews from TV every evening only seems to spur on the anger until it boils over like a long-dormant volcano, destroying everything in sight.

For many, the ends seem to justify the means, yet "the ends" are also taking many of the basics of life that we need as well as the inherit freedoms that were bestowed upon us over 244 years ago. So many people cast judgment upon others, does anyone even know how to agree to disagree anymore? It is a very dark moment in our lives and world right now. I don't know about you, but it is my plan that I will ignite the fires of compassion in the hearts of others. Rather than curse the darkness, be that candle that brings light into another's world. 

"But these three things remain: faith, hope, love...the greatest of these is Love..." ! Corinthians 13:13