things I hate

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.

Jude 1:22-23 NLT

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.

Proverbs 31:9 (NLT)

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.