“…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 5
Needless to say, we are in a very stressful period today. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been affecting our lives since early March in this country, in more ways than any of us care to think about. The death toll and those infected by this virus continues to climb even as many want businesses, etc. to be opened up as quickly as possible. Additionally, for the past month or so, we have witnessed protests and violence resulting from the deaths of people of color. This second Pandemic can be referred to as a Racial Injustice Pandemic caused by countless years of unfair treatment to persons of color and those on the margins of our society. Over the recent past we have all experienced changes in our daily routines plus: pain, sorrow, grief, and a strong sense of a lack of control over so many things in our lives.
As mentioned before, like many others, I have struggled to get my head around what is going on all around us. I have had a fair number of low periods recently, especially concerning the events impacting persons of color in this country. I know that the Coronavirus crisis didn’t help my disposition any, but the recent deaths have pushed me to the edge of depression and despair.
However, when I read verses like Romans 5: 5, that God’s hope and love doesn’t disappoint us, then I can see some hope for the future. I realize that looking to scripture by itself can’t cure the Virus or racial injustice. However, when I pray for guidance and comfort, and read and reflect on God’s word, I am opening myself to God’s Spirit. When I try to let God’s Spirit settle into my heart and soul, maybe---just maybe I will be able to see myself and those around me in a different light. Changing ourselves and seeing life situations through the lens of God’s love is just the first step to improving the things that are going around us.
Please be aware that when we fervently pray, sincerely asking the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and souls, we will be changed. That change may take us to places that we have never been before. Perhaps we can’t directly do much about the two Pandemics affecting us now, but we can pray for those impacted by all of this. Additionally, when we are changed, we are different, and can in some small way change those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Changing ourselves and those around us is a start to bringing God’s Kingdom here into this time and space.
May you find God’s hope and love during this very uncertain time in our lives. May God’s hope and love give you the assurance, that even though we are all going through a lot as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world, the Holy Spirit is beside us, even in our darkest moments. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
Needless to say, we are in a very stressful period today. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been affecting our lives since early March in this country, in more ways than any of us care to think about. The death toll and those infected by this virus continues to climb even as many want businesses, etc. to be opened up as quickly as possible. Additionally, for the past month or so, we have witnessed protests and violence resulting from the deaths of people of color. This second Pandemic can be referred to as a Racial Injustice Pandemic caused by countless years of unfair treatment to persons of color and those on the margins of our society. Over the recent past we have all experienced changes in our daily routines plus: pain, sorrow, grief, and a strong sense of a lack of control over so many things in our lives.
As mentioned before, like many others, I have struggled to get my head around what is going on all around us. I have had a fair number of low periods recently, especially concerning the events impacting persons of color in this country. I know that the Coronavirus crisis didn’t help my disposition any, but the recent deaths have pushed me to the edge of depression and despair.
However, when I read verses like Romans 5: 5, that God’s hope and love doesn’t disappoint us, then I can see some hope for the future. I realize that looking to scripture by itself can’t cure the Virus or racial injustice. However, when I pray for guidance and comfort, and read and reflect on God’s word, I am opening myself to God’s Spirit. When I try to let God’s Spirit settle into my heart and soul, maybe---just maybe I will be able to see myself and those around me in a different light. Changing ourselves and seeing life situations through the lens of God’s love is just the first step to improving the things that are going around us.
Please be aware that when we fervently pray, sincerely asking the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and souls, we will be changed. That change may take us to places that we have never been before. Perhaps we can’t directly do much about the two Pandemics affecting us now, but we can pray for those impacted by all of this. Additionally, when we are changed, we are different, and can in some small way change those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Changing ourselves and those around us is a start to bringing God’s Kingdom here into this time and space.
May you find God’s hope and love during this very uncertain time in our lives. May God’s hope and love give you the assurance, that even though we are all going through a lot as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world, the Holy Spirit is beside us, even in our darkest moments. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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