6/14/2020
Here is a part of Jesse and Sara Winckler's newsletter who are missionaries that we support in Orlando with CRU:
WE LAMENT
Although I am struggling to know what to say about current events, I feel it is necessary to say something.... My heart aches with sorrow for the death of someone who died at the hands of another who is suppose to protect. I am disturbed by the violent reactions. I'm angry that these incidents even happen, and the fact that these are not isolated events boggles my mind. Not having all the answers is okay. I do have some answers and will share a few, but in times like these, it's okay to take time to seek the Lord and see what He wants us to do in these difficult situations.
One thing we can always do is pray. As someone who is more of a thinker than a feeler, I find it helpful to read the Psalms or Lamentations as a way of putting words to what I'm experiencing. Hopefully you've been able to seek the Lord during this time of solitude.
Another thing we can do is remember God's promises, searching the scriptures and believing what they say about God and His faithfulness. There are songs that help me remember many of these. Music also helps calm my spirit.
We can listen and seek to learn from people who are different than us and even believe differently than us. The injustice has to be heard for it to be dealt with. Let's seek to understand and put away fear, apathy and confusion.
We can seek places to share our thoughts and struggles and strive to be safe places for others. We don't want the chaos to overshadow our message of hope and the needs of those seeking justice.
Some action points from scripture include, continuing to love God with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37). Loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), to the extent that God loved us by laying down His life (John 15:13). Love our enemies (Matt. 5:44) for they will know we are followers of Jesus by our love for one another (John 13:35).
Will you pray with us that God will be revealed through these difficult situations?
Here is a part of Jesse and Sara Winckler's newsletter who are missionaries that we support in Orlando with CRU:
WE LAMENT
Although I am struggling to know what to say about current events, I feel it is necessary to say something.... My heart aches with sorrow for the death of someone who died at the hands of another who is suppose to protect. I am disturbed by the violent reactions. I'm angry that these incidents even happen, and the fact that these are not isolated events boggles my mind. Not having all the answers is okay. I do have some answers and will share a few, but in times like these, it's okay to take time to seek the Lord and see what He wants us to do in these difficult situations.
One thing we can always do is pray. As someone who is more of a thinker than a feeler, I find it helpful to read the Psalms or Lamentations as a way of putting words to what I'm experiencing. Hopefully you've been able to seek the Lord during this time of solitude.
Another thing we can do is remember God's promises, searching the scriptures and believing what they say about God and His faithfulness. There are songs that help me remember many of these. Music also helps calm my spirit.
We can listen and seek to learn from people who are different than us and even believe differently than us. The injustice has to be heard for it to be dealt with. Let's seek to understand and put away fear, apathy and confusion.
We can seek places to share our thoughts and struggles and strive to be safe places for others. We don't want the chaos to overshadow our message of hope and the needs of those seeking justice.
Some action points from scripture include, continuing to love God with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37). Loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), to the extent that God loved us by laying down His life (John 15:13). Love our enemies (Matt. 5:44) for they will know we are followers of Jesus by our love for one another (John 13:35).
Will you pray with us that God will be revealed through these difficult situations?