Social Media Handles

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all).” (Revelation 1:8 AMPC)

These days, you don’t have to work too hard to find out information about a person. For example, here are some descriptors I found on the social media profile of one person I met recently: Wife, Mother, Runner, Lawyer, Dog-person, Social-Activist. Along with these self-revealing titles, there are pictures and comments about her beliefs, emotions, what gives her life purpose, and what gets her attention on a daily basis. There are people I only know through social media. I am familiar with their Twitter handles, their Instagram profiles, and their Facebook stories. Between all of these platforms, I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on who they are and what influences them. This gives me a false sense of intimacy. 

God reveals a lot about Himself--in Scripture, in nature, through insights, and through other beings. All of this information can make us feel like we have a good ‘handle’ on who God is. This gives us a false sense of intimacy. It can give us an illusion that we know how to manage or influence God. Just because we know all that God has chosen to reveal does not mean we understand Him completely. Yes, God is the beginning and the end, He Who is, Who was, Who is to come, All knowing, All powerful, Always present---but everything we can understand is still only a tiny fraction of all there is to know. Our brains are incapable of fully handling an all-encompassing God.

The Brooding Spirit

“God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.” (Genesis 1:1 MSG)

Hens go through phases where their maternal instincts kick in, and they brood over a clutch of eggs. They will incubate, protect, and cover their undeveloped young. A maternal bird will even pull out her own chest feathers to transmit more body heat to the eggs, putting the needs of her offspring above her own. 

God’s Spirit broods like a bird above amorphous creation. Like a maternal bird incubating her unformed young, She protectively hovers over all beings, willingly putting our needs above Her own. The universe is constantly regenerating. All beings remain in process, unfinished, incomplete. God’s purpose for us is still developing. The Spirit unwaveringly broods over us until our souls are fully formed in the image of God. 

 

Three Prayers

“May you experience God’s favor and rest in the peace that comes from the One who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming; from the seven Spirits, the Perfect Spirit, constantly before God’s throne; and from Jesus the Anointed, the Witness who is true and faithful.” (Revelation 1:4-5 VOICE)

Growing up Catholic, I was taught to recite memorized prayers. In group and private settings, I found comfort in the familiar words of the Lord’s prayer and the Hail Mary. When I started hanging out with more Protestants, I became more spontaneous with my prayers. I learned to be conversational with God--asking for specific needs and reminding God of His promises with scripture references. When praying out loud in the presence of others, I felt the need to speak in complete sentences that made sense to all who were listening. Whether memorized or spontaneous, my prayers had some things in common: there were a lot of words and details. I already knew what I wanted; I just needed God’s help in executing my plans. 

These days, I pray privately. Just me and God--one on One. My praying has changed. There are fewer words, fewer details, fewer memorized passages, less reminders to God. I have three favorite prayers, three single words that match my breath: Yahweh, Yeshua, Ruah.

These three words encapsulate everything.

Yahweh--the One who was, the One who is, and the One who is coming.

Yeshua--Jesus the Anointed, the Witness who is true and faithful. 

Ruah--the Holy Spirit, the essence of all the attributes and characteristics of God.

God does not need me to explain all the details and come up with my own solutions. I have learned to speak less and listen more. The three prayers are meant to remind me of truths: Yahweh is in charge. Yeshua is trustworthy. Ruah permeates everything. All I have to do is just breathe and remain aware.

Yahweh. Yeshua. Ruah.

 

Energy Management

“I work hard and struggle to do this, using the energy that he powerfully provides in me.” (Colossians 1:29 ISV)

There is no shortage of information and tools available for the management of time. Time is easily measured, and we all have a set amount of it each day. Tools like calendars and timers, as well as techniques that remind us to schedule, plan, and organize our tasks are ubiquitous. Unlike time, personal energy is hard to measure and manage. I wear an advanced running watch that measures my activity, heart rate, sleep, etc. It estimates my energy usage based on these parameters and displays it as a percentage using a battery icon. While this infographic is interesting, the numbers do not match how I really feel. This is because there are many non-measurable aspects to vitality. Emotional stress, genetics, lifestyle, health, and a myriad of other factors lead to people having unequal amounts of energy. Since it is harder to measure energy drainage or even how much each individual has, there are very few tools or techniques to manage personal energy. 

Both time and energy are gifts from God, and we have a responsibility to use them wisely. Although we all have 24 hours each day, none of us knows how many days we have left in our life. Thus, each day must be cherished. The amount of energy God provides me with seems to be a little less with each passing year. I am learning to manage every bit of it carefully.  I have recognized that my mind and body work the best in the morning. I also know from experience that my brain starts shutting down in the evenings. Thus, I try to schedule most of my intense activities earlier in the day and plan passive tasks for the evenings. I also do regular power audits--scanning my routines for leaks. I try to reduce habits that unnecessarily drain strength and keep the ones that renew energy.

 

 

Reclaiming Space

“Stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 VOICE)

Land reclamation is the process of reconverting areas that are unpurposed into productive spaces. In Canada, the government requires that the land that has been disturbed for mining must be reclaimed--which means it must be restored to a self-sustaining ecosystem with local vegetation and wildlife. This form of land reclamation is beneficial to the environment, plants, animals, and humans. 

Similarly, there are parts of my mind that have been disturbed and need reclaiming. I have allowed the distractions of the modern realm to fracture and diminish my soul. The process of restoration has not been easy. Removing the pollutants that desensitize my spirit takes intentional work. Every day, I clean up a small area of my life. I try not to look at how much more there is to be done. Instead, I focus on the patch directly in front of me. Today, it is removing apps from my phone so I can reclaim some time for higher purposes. This might not seem like much, but it helps me stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things. I shall continue reclaiming my mind from all the numbing habits I have exposed it to over the years and restore it to a habitation fit for the Spirit of the Lord. 

Apocalypse

 

“This is the revelation of Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King: an account of visions and a heavenly journey. God granted this to Him so He would show His followers the realities that are already breaking into the world and soon will be fulfilled.” (Revelation 1:1 VOICE)

The word ‘apocalypse’ is associated with the end of the world as we know it, but this is a misunderstanding. The word originates from apokalupsis, the Greek word for ‘revelation’. The biblical Book of Revelation uncovers the apocalypse of Jesus. Using mystical imagery and visions, God unveils the realities that are already breaking into the world.  For those who believe only in the existence of that which is visible and tangible, these revelations can feel scary.

Depending on cultural influences, we operate under certain assumptions and paradigms. We travel down pre-constructed roads that are paved and maintained by society. At some point in our lives, all of us come to a dead end. We face the unknown wilderness. This feels scary and unfamiliar. Most of us take a U-turn and head back to find a main road. A few of us step out and walk tremblingly into the mystery. 

The pandemic and subsequent voluntary isolation have been apocalyptic (revelatory) for many. The lull in activity and socialization has given us the opportunity to explore deeper mysteries. Personally, it has been a period of heightened awareness--a time of unraveling, unlearning, and reevaluation. I have, once again, come to my wit’s end and am now facing the unknown wilderness. The temptation to make a U-turn and return to what is familiar pulls at me. Yet, I sense invisible realities that are already breaking through the cracks in my perspective. The wilderness beckons. My soul is drawn deeper into mysteries and revelations. 

The Loitering Soul

“Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)

Loitering is defined as the act of remaining in a public space for a length of time without any apparent purpose. You may have noticed businesses with signs that warn against loitering on their property. This is to discourage panhandlers or others who may make other customers feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Why is this a crime? 

Society encourages us to advance in a linear trajectory. Young people are encouraged to have their lives planned out and move through the prescribed stages without loitering. If their progress is slow, then they are seen as lazy, aimless, and doomed to a purposeless existence. 

“To know exactly where you're headed may be the best way to go astray. Not all who loiter are lost.”  (Sue Monk Kidd, When the Heart Waits)

Even those of us who feel certain that we know what we want from life have regressive phases. All humans go through periods of unraveling--when the scaffolding that holds up our beliefs about ourselves and the world comes crumbling down. Since loitering without a plan makes others uneasy, we quickly slap together a course of action to avoid disapproval. 

Perhaps it would be healthier to take some time to linger. God’s timeline might not be perfectly aligned with ours. Even when we are stuck, things are being worked out. Internal growth, although invisible, is even more significant than external achievements. We may not know exactly where we  are headed, but we are not lost. It takes contemplation and persistence to understand God’s vision for our lives. In order to absorb the essence of our purpose, we must take the time to percolate in His presence. Linger. Wait expectantly. God will certainly show up. 

 

Gatekeepers

“The gatekeepers guarded the gates and did not need to leave their posts of duty, for their Passover offerings were prepared for them by their fellow Levites.” (2 Chronicles 35:15 NLT)

Back in the days when the Israelites were ruled by King Josiah, gatekeepers played an important role in the community. Their role was to stand at the walls of the city and remain alert at all times. Even during the Passover celebrations, they did not leave their posts. Others brought them food and supplies while they were on duty. I wonder if these gatekeepers felt tired and resentful of always having to be responsible, even on holidays.

Who are the modern day gatekeepers? They may not have uniforms or job titles, so that might make them difficult to identify. Look around carefully. It might be the retired lady walking around the neighborhood in the early mornings, praying for those in need. It might be the nurse or doctor returning after a night shift at the hospital. It might be the mother raising the next generation. It might be the school teacher, the farmer, or the volunteer at the local shelter. 

What can we do to help these gatekeepers who remain at their posts no matter what the circumstances? Can we prepare them food or bring them supplies that they may need? Can we acknowledge their sacrifices?  Can we sit with them for a bit and hear their stories? Can we let these unseen heroes know that we appreciate them and recognize their impact on our communities?

 

Prayer Run

“Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!” (James 5:16 TPT)

A friend of mine recently told me about an epic running project that was organized by her pastor. He marked off a circular course. He wrote the names of all the countries around the globe, frontline workers, community issues, names of those who were ill, those who were relationally wounded, and all other prayer requests that people mentioned to him. He placed these written prayers on a refreshment table at the start of the loop. Every lap, he picked up a new prayer request and lifted up the need to God. He invited others to join him in prayer for 60 hours as they ran or walked with him or in their own locales. Every participant did what they could in their own capacity--some ran 5km while others ran over 100 miles. 

Praying while running is difficult. It feels like you are carrying a heavy weight on your back. It makes a strenuous activity even more arduous. Running long distances like marathons and ultramarathons are also laborious. However, when you are running with a group of people who are moving forward with a unified mindset, everyone is strengthened. Praying with others, even while running alone, can create a sense of communal purpose. It can feel like you are sharing in the collective burdens of the world. 

When we admit and acknowledge how we have hurt one another and then pray for one another to be healed, we introduce the tremendous power of the Spirit into the brokenness.  Interceding for others, especially strangers, increases understanding and empathy. It expands our compassion and shifts our focus from our own struggles. It gives us a mission that is bigger than our own personal concerns.  When we stand in the gap and pray, it enables us to participate in God’s healing process. We become witnesses to wondrous transformations. This empowers us to lift up more and more people and to continually glorify God as we move closer to Him.

Restoration and Healing

“I withdrew from them, but they kept going on their own stubborn way. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them.”  (Isaiah 57:17-19 NLT) 

This world is in need of healing on so many levels. We are in the midst of a pandemic that can cause long-term health issues. We have an economy that is fractured. We have divisive politics, racial tension, lack of access to healthcare, and wide disparities between the wealthy and the poor. The planet is heaving from continual exploitation. 

“After being wronged, few human beings can move ahead with dignity without a full and honest exposure of the truth, as well as accountability. You cannot heal what you do not acknowledge. Hurt does not just go away on its own; it needs to be spoken and heard. Only then is there a possibility of “restorative justice,” which is what the prophets invariably promise to the people of Israel (as in Ezekiel 16:53-63; Isaiah 57:17‒19) and Jesus illustrates in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11‒32) and throughout his healing ministry.” (Richard Rohr)

While the laws of our nation are geared toward retribution, Christianity points its followers to restoration. Restorative justice leads to the healing of communities. First we must pray--asking God for understanding and empathy. Then we must allow those who are in pain to vent and feel heard. Peacemaking involves acknowledging the dignity and value of all beings. 

Before healing can begin, there has to be a diagnosis. You cannot heal what you do not acknowledge. Pain needs to be expressed and received. Accountability involves taking responsibility for your part in the disease. How have you benefited? Have you ignored the issue, thus participating in its metastasis? Who have you hurt through negligence? What changes can you make? 

Momentary Troubles

“These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 TLB)

Dry socks are a luxury that I take for granted. The few times I’ve had to run in wet socks, I have been miserable. The miles seemed longer and harder. In retrospect, I admit that running in wet socks is a fleeting discomfort, but at that time it seemed like a monumental affliction added on to a difficult test of endurance. 

There can be hidden blessings within our troubles. 

Afflictions allow us to appreciate all that we take for granted. Think of all the comforts you enjoy every day. Now, if any one of these things were taken away for a week, imagine how much more you would appreciate each one. I never thought to be grateful for dry socks until I didn’t have any.

Suffering can increase empathy. Every time I read about an area that is flooded, I immediately think about how uncomfortable it must be for the victims. If wet socks are so uncomfortable, how much more miserable would it be to have all your clothes and everything else in your home be waterlogged! 

Troubles, big or small, can teach us to depend on God. When our burdens get heavy, we look about for help. In our search for relief, we gain insights into the Lord and His love. As we seek wholeness, we discover Who holds us together. Let your mind percolate in all these revelations. 

Aren’t all these blessings worth a little distress? 

 

Well-Worn Path

“You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set.” (Psalm 119:4-5 MSG)

Down the hill from our main house, we have a detached studio. There are many ways to get to it, but they all involve a certain amount of walking outdoors. The shortest way is to exit out the front door, walk through the grass, and enter through the side door of the studio. Since we have taken this path so many times over the years, the grass is worn down from repeated use. Even a guest who is unfamiliar with our property can easily recognize that this is the best way to get to the studio. 

Consistent habits create patterns of living. Even strangers can be influenced by our ways. Thus, whether we choose a path of sanctity or transgression has implications beyond ourselves. God has prescribed the right way to live. He walks before us on the well-worn path of goodness. He teaches us to live with integrity. He reveals truths and insights as we follow in His footsteps. We can choose to stay on course, following His directions, or we can stray from the path and do whatever seems best to us. When we diligently practice compassion, when we treat those around us with mercy, we affirm God’s goodness. Those around us witness our discipline. There is no better way to guide people to Christ than through the undeviating path of discipleship. 

 

Cultural Goodness

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” (Romans 12:9 NLT)

A few months ago, there was a devastating storm in our region. It knocked down electricity, cell phone towers, and trees. Homes and businesses were damaged. In the midst of communal suffering, there was also goodness. People shared whatever they had to help each other. They volunteered to clear trees, donate money, cook food, lend tools, etc. Each act of generosity and kindness inspired others to do the same.

Cultural goodness can be just as contagious as collective evil. Kindness begets kindness. Those who receive grace are more likely to extend grace. Every act of goodness can have exponential impact. By standing up for love and rejecting hate in all its forms, we can spread compassion and justice throughout our communities. However, tribalism and indifference are the biggest obstacles in our way. As followers of Christ, we are taught to be charitable to all, to identify with the suffering of others, and to see everyone as deserving of love. 

Cultural Evil

“Seeing this movement growing, the unconvinced Jewish people became protective and angry. They found some ruffians hanging out in the marketplaces and convinced them to help start a riot. Soon a mob formed, and the whole city was seething with tension.” (Acts 17:5 VOICE)

The recent news that a militia group has been plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan is shocking but not entirely surprising. For years now, militia movements across the United States have been gaining power. These groups see themselves as non-professional soldiers who are needed to protect cultural mores. Their ideology often includes an anti-government stance, an affinity for conspiracy theories, and a passion for guns and explosives. In certain parts of the country, militia groups are admired, and their methods are embraced as necessary evils. 

"Before it becomes personal and shameable, evil is often culturally agreed-upon, admired, and deemed necessary. The apostle Paul already had the prescient genius to recognize this, and I believe he taught that both sin and salvation are, first of all, corporate and social realities." (Richard Rohr) 

Collective evil is often hard to recognize for those in the midst of it. Like those who live in polluted cities and breathe in smog, we get acculturated to ideologies and justifications that surround us. We become protective of our traditional perspective and resentful of anyone who questions our priorities. Certain ‘necessary evils’ are accepted as a way of lifestyle preservation. This malignancy spreads through our communities, shaping our thoughts and behaviors. If unchallenged, it pervades every echelon of society. The perpetrators of hate and their supporters are identifiably malevolent. Yet, those who ignore it and go about their lives as usual are equally culpable. 

Be Considerate

“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” (Philippians 4:5 NLT)

I run daily through our neighborhood. While most of our streets are clean, there is one section where someone throws empty cans as they drive by. I assume it is the same person who litters daily, because the empty can is always the same type. After a few days of running by this trash, I will go pick it up and put it in the recycle bin at my home. I know there will be more cans in the same section of the road in a few days. Even if I witnessed the person throwing the empty can on the side of the street, I would not confront him. Everyone realizes that littering is inconsiderate. A person can be aware but still not care. 

Epidemiologists have provided extensive information about the Covid 19 virus to the public. Most people have the ability to understand the science behind infectious diseases, how they spread, and how to mitigate community risk. They are aware, but they don’t care. They go about their lives doing things as usual and justifying their choices. 

It’s bad enough to be cavalier about your own health, but each time you expose yourself to the virus, you become a vector for community spread. This is inconsiderate. I am not going to confront you directly. I will do whatever I can to protect you and your loved ones. My husband, a physician, will keep putting himself at risk to treat you when you get sick. We will continue to be considerate, forbearing, and circumspect in all that we do. We shall persist in loving our neighbors as Christ taught. 

 

Wise Friends

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” (Proverbs 13:20 MSG)

What are the top characteristics you look for in a friend? 

I asked this question to a few of my friends and family. Certain character traits came up frequently: loyal, honest, trustworthy, fun, encouraging, authentic, consistent, respectful, accepting, compassionate, non-judgmental, virtuous, transparent, empathic, communicative, etc.

I was surprised that no one mentioned ‘wisdom’ as one of their top criteria in friends. 

The book of Proverbs places a high value on wisdom. When we do life with those who have sound judgment, we are more likely to emulate them and learn to make good choices. In contrast, when we hang out with the unwise, our lives fall apart. Those who follow the short-sighted are often misguided. 

Perhaps you think of yourself as the wise one in your friendships. This means you have the responsibility of always being a good role model to those who may be following your example. Are you a good friend who practices the character traits that add value to the lives around you? Are you empowering your friends to heal and grow?

In most friendship groups, there are leaders and followers. I prefer friends who are dependable mentors.  I call these people frontline friends. Like frontline workers they are on the forefront of the battle, taking the brunt of the burden of figuring out how to progress.  They are steeped in wisdom and spiritual discernment. I am appreciative of their consistency and clarity. I continually lift them up in prayer. 

Bucket List of Virtues

“Souls who follow their hearts thrive;

Fools bent on evil despise matters of the soul.” (Proverbs 13:19 MSG)

In the 2007 movie, The Bucket List, two terminally ill men make a list of things they want to do before they ‘kick the bucket’. Since the movie’s release, the idea of making a bucket list has now become mainstream. If you cannot come up with your own ideas, there are websites that list thousands of dreams, goals, and experiences that you should have before you die.

In a slightly different twist on the bucket list of activities and acquisitions, I have come up with a bucket list of virtues. These are character traits I aspire to develop before I die. I imagine my ideal self, the highest level of purpose my soul could achieve. My list consists mostly of adjectives: authentic, resilient, purposeful, loyal, honest, dependable, trustworthy, gracious, wise, strong, intentional, accountable, discerning, empowering, encouraging...

My heart craves to be whole, to be the complete version of all that my soul can be.  I cannot neglect soul matters any longer. Whatever time I have left, I hope to live a life of virtue and meaning. 

What would be on Your personal bucket list of virtues? 

What characteristics do you see in the best version of yourself?

 

Self-Discipline

“If you want to follow Me, you must deny yourself the things you think you want. You must pick up your cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24 VOICE)

Epicureanism is a philosophy that thinks of pleasure as the ultimate goal. Humans and animals naturally gravitate toward comfort and avoid suffering. Sensations that bring immediate gratification are more sought-after than experiences that lead to long-term satisfaction. Thus, gluttony, greed, pride, lust, sloth, envy, and wrath, which were once considered deadly vices, are now merely signs that one is not a prude. Epicureanism, with its never ending addiction for more and more pleasure,  devolves into hedonism.  A generic epitaph that would be suitable for most epicureans would be: “He pursued temporary highs, until he died.”

While epicureanism is the default philosophy of most societies these days, asceticism has fallen out of favor. The term ‘asceticism’ comes from the Greek ‘askesis’ meaning disciplined practice. In the early church, Christian hermits and monks were known for their austere lifestyles. They believed the words of Jesus: “If you want to follow Me, you must deny yourself the things you think you want. You must pick up your cross and follow Me.”

Discipleship requires self-discipline. You can EITHER pursue the things you think you want--OR follow Christ. You have to choose. Those who are preoccupied by worldly ambitions are unable to carry the cross. Asceticism can help us get off the treadmill of hedonism. Certain forms of self-regulation can build resilience, mental fortitude, physical endurance, courage, and strength. These virtues are cultivated through disciplined practice. 

Shadow Puppets

“The light of life will overtake those who dwelt in the shadowy darkness.” (Matthew 4:16 VOICE)

Shadow puppetry is a popular form of entertainment all over the world. All you need is a light source and a screen. Any object that blocks the light will create a shadow. An experienced puppeteer can create illusions of all types. Moving figures can be made to walk, dance, sing, or speak. Strategic posturing can be used to make things look bigger or smaller.  Both the puppeteer and the audience can get caught up in these imaginative stories.  

Playing with illusions can be mesmerizing, and the shadow life can be confused as reality. Those who are absorbed in posturing to impress or mislead others often get caught up in their own delusions. They lose their ability to separate between what is performance and what is real. The lines between the reality show lifestyle of vying for attention and expressing their authentic self become blurry. 

Shadow figures are created when we block the source of light. Living in the light can be uncomfortable, because we are not in control. Our shadow images are more easily managed. We can choose to make ourselves bigger or smaller, to hide parts we are not willing to reveal--in order to impress and please others. Thus, we get absorbed in this shadow life of our ego, full of posturing and performance. We convince ourselves that our subjective reality is all there is. We use up our life in the pursuit of pleasure, power, and belonging. No matter that our sense of belonging is with other shadow figures and their false narratives. 

The light of life can overtake those who dwell in shadowy darkness. This involves surrender and conscious change. We must choose to walk in the light and face uncomfortable truths instead of blocking it. We have to let go and turn away from the shadow selves in order to embody our true selves.  The light shows us what is real and what is false. It allows us to progress in understanding. It guides us along paths of purpose. 

Shipping Containers

“And we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ with no distinction between us." (Galatians 3:28 TPT)

The Port of Houston, one of the largest commercial shipping ports in the U.S., recently shut down for several days because of a hurricane. This area is filled with stacks of steel shipping containers. These large, rectangular boxes are used to transport cargo on trucks, trains, and ships all over the world. Although they come in various colors, hold different cargo, and are bound for different destinations, they were created for one purpose: to streamline the shipping and storage of freight. During a hurricane, all shipping containers are equally protected--no matter what color their exterior or what cargo they carry. The port authority does not discriminate. Everything shuts down until the weather clears up. 

Similarly, humans have different backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, sizes, gender, and personalities. Genetics, socioeconomic factors, and cultural influences all play a part in molding each individual. However, we were all created for a similar purpose: to be in union with God with no distinction between us. Our exteriors may look different. Our interiors may house different content. But in times of crisis, we all deserve to be protected equally. 

“Research increasingly shows that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States.” (William F. Marshall, III M.D.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-infection-by-race/faq-20488802

During the global Covid pandemic, certain groups of people have suffered disproportionately. The poor and the marginalized are more likely to struggle with underlying health conditions, dense living situations, employment in the service industry, limited access to health care, and discrimination due to racism. During hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, ethnic minorities suffered the most. The inequities of our societies exacerbate every crisis. In our preoccupation to protect our personal conveniences and privileged lifestyles, we have failed to protect some of the most vulnerable populations. We have decided to take care of our own and let the ‘others’ fend for themselves. We have forgotten we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ with no distinction between us.

Empathy vs. Indifference

“And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” (Matthew 12:7 ESV)

Nick Wright is a popular sports commentator on FOX. He is Caucasian while his wife, Danielle Wright, is Black. In a recent interview, Nick described how his own experiences as a White male in America are different than the experiences of his 18-year-old Black son. Nick uses his influence to plead for empathy and compassion for his son and others who are routinely targeted by authorities because of the way they look. 

Order and predictability are easier in homogenous communities, because it is easier to relate to those who have similar experiences. Yet, even in countries where everyone looks the same, people are marginalized for other reasons. This desire to establish hierarchy is part of our primitive nature.  Seeing ourselves as special and separate is one of the ways we justify self-preservation. This leads to authoritarianism, which is not known for empathy, but for mercilessness. Those with power construct rules to retain power.  When we treat some humans as lesser members of society, when we do not say their names, when we use stereotypes to describe them as thugs, criminals, illegals, rapists--we dehumanize them. We add fuel to flames of animosity. 

How can we cultivate empathy for those who are dissimilar? Let’s look at how we feel toward our pets.  Even though we cannot experience the world the way our dogs do, we still have empathy for them. Why? We humanize our pets; we name them and treat them as part of our families. We love them and do everything we can to take care of them. Why do we find it difficult to extend even this bare minimum level of compassion for our fellow humans? 

Empathy is the ability to connect with others, even when they are different. Compassion is the willingness to share in their suffering. The opposite of empathy is not hate, but indifference--it is a disinclination to look at things from someone else’s perspective. Jesus asked us to be compassionate, to have mercy, to extend grace. As followers of Christ, let us cultivate empathy--and humanize all humans. Let us find ways to relate and see each other as belonging to the same tribe.

Original Music

 “Compose new melodies that release new praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 33:3 TPT)

My friend Shari is a musician. She recently sent me a song that she created completely on her own. I admire her songwriting abilities and her beautiful voice. I am not musically talented, so I am in awe of those who possess this gift. Shari mentioned how much she enjoys creating music even though many people prefer cover tunes that are familiar to them. 

“Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)

Why do we spend years singing versions of cover songs while suppressing our own original music? Why do we copy others rather than find our own voice? Is it because we crave applause and acceptance more than creative expression? Or are we just too lazy to delve within, to discover the lyrics and melodies that are curled up in our souls? Or are we afraid that who we truly are is not worthy of revelation--that it is better to sing popular tunes rather than authentic ones? 

Lord, you have imprinted uniqueness within each of us. Help us to uncover what remains buried. Teach us to compose new melodies with the anointing skills You have provided. May we express our true selves with passion, courage, and self-acceptance.