Focusing on Truth, Honesty and Purity

As I am writing this blog, it 2:16 a.m. and I got out of bed because I was tossing and turning because my heart is heavy. During the last several days of scrolling through social media, I have been inundated by countless examples of the “inhumanity of man.” One image showed the disfigured face of a twelve year girl, who had been scolded by hot water at a sleepover.  Another article described how a three-year old died, as a result of being repeatedly hit in the head by her mother’s boyfriend. Lastly, I do not believe anyone has escaped seeing or hearing about the recent acts of racism displayed in Charlottesville, Va.  Adding to this incident, a friend contacted me after she heard that a group of men were doing other perceived racist acts in the community, where I work, that appear to celebrate the Charlottesville tragedy.  

Hearing these stories, bombard me with a myriad of emotions. As long as I can remember, I have always been sensitive to other’s pain.  My heart aches and I can’t help but to pray for those impacted. Tonight is no different.

Where do you seek answers regarding the plight of humanity? Do you consult the leaders in your community or government officials for solutions? Do you turn to the word of God to give you direction? Or, do you just ignore everything going on around you and hope that it will go away?

I ask this question because like others, I am constantly challenged and outraged daily, by events that I hear on the news or read on social media. Every day there is something new that triggers my emotions and causes me to pause and choose my response.  During each tragedy that impacts me, I have to be intentional about my perspective of the situation. Will I choose to meditate on my initial emotions of anger, fear and frustration? Or, will I choose a more narrow and difficult path and choose to keep my eyes focused on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report (Philippians 4:8) in the midst of chaos.

I would love to say that I always choose the latter and keep positive thoughts in my head.  If this was my reality, I am sure that I would be sleeping right now instead of sharing my thoughts with you.  In reality, we live in a sin filled world; every day we are going to see evidence of Satan’s schemes that try to destroy mankind through hate and fear in an effort to stop us from living the lives that Christ desires us to live. He wants us to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength and to love each other as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). How are we measuring up?

We all have a personal responsibility to choose how we are going to handle these constant senseless tragedies that occur in our world.  God is teaching me that I can only control my attitude and to continue to shine my light in the darkness that surrounds me.  If I allow my light to grow dim, then I risk losing it and being suffocating by the darkness around me.  

Staying in constant prayer, starting my day with God’s nutrients via the bible and remaining in consistent fellowship with like-minded people, is the only way that I can keep my light from going out.  Although this is not going to be an easy task, due to the current state of anarchy that exists in one form or another in our society, I can’t let it consume me or overtake me with fear.I may not win this battle every day, but I will win the war.

Prayer Starter: Heavenly Father, help me to keep my eyes focused on thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and t positive when I am challenged to not display Your character.  It is often hard to show love to people that display hatred and are cruel, but I know that you are always with me and that your love will help me to keep moving forward.  Teach me your ways, so that I can follow them and deliver me from evil.  Comfort me during these difficult times and help me to trust you and be a light to this world. Amen

 

 

2 replies
  1. Nichole Bruce
    Nichole Bruce says:

    Wonderful article, continue to encourage and uplift others continue to build others spiritually because of your identity in Christ. Continue to limit your liberty for the sake of love. These are vital statistics for every day life.

    Reply
  2. Kristen H
    Kristen H says:

    I too was up almost all night. I’m obsessing over Charlottesville and at with my heightened state of emotions I am not yet in a place where I can act constructively. Thank-you for this reminder to have faith in God. I’m reading a book, “How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything, Yes Anything!” and I value how the author, Albert Ellis, tries to instruct you how to sort of separate your emotion from an occurrence or circumstance. However I believe that strong emotions call us to action. Is it enough that we just put out love in our own small world? Enough to pray? We must do these things while we also act effectively to make change in a world of people who are not like-minded and like-hearted.

    Thank-you, Stephanie, for your needed entry. This feels like a safe place for compassionate Christians to express their thoughts and feelings.

    Reply

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