Dear Beloved,

What sustains you for doing hard things? What helps you hang in there when you feel tempted to give up? That question has been asked of me several times recently. My answers are:

• God

• God's people

• God's creation

Even when I have lots of questions and concerns, I trust God is still with us – the sun continues to rise and set – the rainbow reminds us of God’s covenantal promise with all creation – when the warm winds or the cold winds blow, the Spirit is present, ever-present.

Even when violence abounds and we hurt one another and God’s world, we see and hear of many, many, many people and organizations working for equity, wholeness, and shalom (the deep and abiding peace of our Creator, Liberator, and Guide which surpasses all human understanding). All people are made in God’s image – that gives me hope that we can all work together for the growing of God’s beloved community. I find hope in knowing people are praying and living out their faith with kindness all around the globe.

Even when we hear very difficult stories and statics about the state of the environment and increasing hunger, creation shows us resilience, adaptivity, renewal, beauty, diversity, and wonder if we will be mindful and open to the divine flow of grace and restoration. 

May we respond with care, compassion, and that little tiny bit of trust needed for the living of this moment and then the next. 

We are not alone. God is love. You are loved. We are called to love! By God’s mercy may we live out this good news! 

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. 
Psalm 33:22