I am
not going to get on my soapbox and talk to you about things that bother
me. That might be the fact that I
dislike having to go to two different fast food places to get our kids what
they want eat. Or that I dislike when
people throw their trash in the wrong place.
There
are some other things that are heavier than just dislikes that I have come
across lately that I hate. Honestly, I
believe that God has called me and our church to fight against injustice.
One
afternoon last week I was visiting some people from our church when I met a
young teen girl who had been raped by a 30 something year old man. My emotions went from pretty calm and cool to
angry and wanting to hurt someone. The
grandma I was talking to me told how this girl has been angry and mean toward
others. My heart aches for this girl and
the pain she is going through and what will continue in her life.
I got
a call a week or so ago from a friend who was helping a family that attends our
church. The story was about a young
mother who was using her child to manipulate her mother, and this problem was
impacting several other relationships, maybe even causing a divorce. I was angry and still am.
A man
recently got involved with our church, and his situation tugs at my heart. He and his wife have been married for
decades, and through the years his alcoholism has torn their relationship apart
to the point that they are no longer together.
This situation frustrates me and pushes me to help something better
happen.
Last
Wednesday I met three new friends that are homeless. Two of them are men who were taking shelter
under a business’ awning during a rainstorm.
The other is a lady who is living in the woods near a shopping area in
our community. Their situations tug at
me. We need a homeless shelter
here. We need more help for hurting and
homeless people. My heart hurts for
these people.
And you must show mercy to
those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the
flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution,
hating the sins that contaminate their lives
Rescue
those who cannot rescue themselves. Show
mercy. Share His love.
All
around us there is injustice. There are
people who have been hurt. There are
people who have never experienced the love and goodness of our God. Our reaction, our actions and our acts of
kindness may be the extension of God used to rescue someone from the injustice
they are in.
Some
things I hate don’t matter very much. Other
things I hate matter very much, and God has allowed me and you to do something
about those. One person at a time. One situation at a time. Do something about the things you hate
because God hates them too.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they
get justice.
Pray for
these things:
Jeff
Dowdy is home from the hospital. Please
pray for him and Lee Ann as Jeff continues to heal. Pray for Cathy and Elmer that God would
restore their marriage. Pray for Donnie
who is struggling with his past and for Mike who is battling depression. Thank you for praying for my daughter Rebecca
who has her wisdom teeth surgically removed, for April Haynes who had a kidney
stone removed, and for Maggie Wethington who had surgery on her leg on
Friday. All are doing well. I have been sick over the weekend and
appreciate your prayers as well.
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