Lighting a candle for peace against the backdrop of war
God of all nations, I give You thanks for the country I call home where liberty is prized, justice is pursued and freedoms are protected.
On this bright sunny day where I live, the dark clouds of war threaten peace far away. I pray for those whose lives and liberties are in grave danger.
Surround President Zelenskyy of Ukraine with wise counsel. Provide a hedge of protection for his people in harm’s way.
Give the vulnerable courage. Infuse the fearful with faith. Heal those who’ve been wounded. Honor the memories of those who have died. Comfort the grieving.
Would You grant our President and other leaders of the free world the means to work together for a peaceful resolution to this complicated bloodshed?
Would You prevent this regional conflict from becoming a world war?
Would You remind us of the lessons painfully learned from past wars that are too-easily and too-quickly forgotten?
Would You use this chaotic frightening scenario as a means of opening our eyes, ears and hearts to You and one another?
These things I seek and ask in Your holy name. Amen.
Current events define us as a people. But does the currency we carry in our pockets?
E Pluribus Unum.
It’s engraved on our money that accounts for our wealth as a nation. A wealth that has little to do with our gross national product. It doesn’t relate all that much to the interest rates or market shares. And it’s really not indicative of saving plans, pension funds or even things we own.
E. Pluribus Unim
It’s a little three-word Latin phrase that we haven’t lived up to recently. It’s high time we heeded this motto that has held us together in low times. It’s time we remembered we will only thrive when we celebrate our oneness in the midst of diversity.
Pairs skating is not just for the Winter Olympic Games
“Not good for man to be alone!” God said when life began. “To skate through life with joy he needs a pair. Someone to share the thrills and spills. Someone to hold his hand, a partner by his side when he is scared.”
What God intended from the start is what makes life complete. A spouse or friend to navigate thin ice. When sharing joys and sorrows, we find meaning in each day. Companionship is needed (not just nice).
While slaloming through daily commitments, other’s expectations can get in our head and crowd out our confidence.
As a result, we miss a gate. We make mistakes. We question our competence and replay our regrets.
We temporarily forget that CHAMP is spelled with an A and not a U.
We long for a shoulder to cry on and hear someone who believes in us remind us what we are capable of.
We need to know we’re not alone. We need to realize that others understand.
And once we realize that the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is a common to our race, we need to be at the finish line (or before) to comfort those in pain.
Who can you comfort today?
“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15