In these times of anger,hate, fear, vitriol, violence, and confusion, where love, compassion, and caring cannot be found, let us all draw near to the River Jordon and wade into its waters. We need to be redeemed by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We need God’s dove of peace to surround us, to hold us, and to inspire us to see the tears of those who need us, to hear the hearts that are breaking, to share words of comfort and a prayer, and to be the shining light to those whose faith may be fading. We must be kind to each other and care for each other as we would want to be treated. Offering help and consolation, we can love all people, all nations, and the whole world. We have to try to be more than we are.
God appointed us to be His chosen children and to us is given much responsibility. We are the ubuntu, “the I am because we are.” To be Christ-like is to be His hands and feet in all circumstances, all venues, and all political arenas. As He leads us, we are to be His voice in this darkened world. It is only by His grace that we can make promises, prayers, steps of faith, and differences for all people everywhere. Every problem we solve, every bit of hope we share, every blessing we leave behind: these are only possible because of God’s forgiveness. With Christ as our foundation, He provides us grace, courage, strength, and determination. For every person we show love to and for every heart we help to change, God will give peace. Every word of love, every wiped tear, and every sadness turned to joy, He will give the world another day of grace.
We must all wade in the water to be reborn again like our parents brought us to be baptized so long ago. By His grace, we are healed. By His love, we are sealed with the righteousness of His Son. By His strength, we can move forward to climb every mountain, cross every roaring river, rest by the clear streams, and lie down in the green grasses. Lest any one of us stray from His flock, Christ will find us and bring us back to the fold.
These are the words of that unconditional love: admiration, beauty, belief, blessing, charity, comfort, compassion, faith, fellowship, forgiveness, friendship, grace, healing, heart, help, honesty, hope, humility, integrity, joy, kindness, light, love, mercy, patience, peace, prayer, righteousness, sacrifice, strength, teaching, Truth, water, Way, Word, and worthiness. There are millions of people in this world, and if we would do just one or two of these gifts, think about what our towns, cities, states, and nations could be like. Think about how changed you would be, your children, your neighbors, and your enemies. Think of all the goodness that would shine through to all of us. We need the light now more than ever before. Let your light so shine into the world that all will know His love.
Anna Hartt
