beWARM

Hearing national news commentators rattle off the latest crimes of brutality and acts of violence is not the best way to start your day. I realize that one of their job requirements is to impartially report the most up to date events – but this steady verbal stream graphically describing cruelty and corruption has become toxic to me.

Not to mention the youtube videos that add even more horrifying visuals.

It is not my desire to escape from reality – but it is reasonable and healthy to dwell in a more positive mindset.

There is so much good present in the world…but those types of news spots infrequently make the headlines, or garner the highest percentage of viewers.

Sensationalism reigns supreme.

Finding words to report facts, however shocking, is relatively easy – but what happens when it comes time to convey emotions related to particular events?

Especially when we have friends and acquaintances experiencing life situations that are untoward…unjust…even intolerable?  When our hearts ache so deeply for them that we feel as if nothing we could say will be of any comfort?

Lately our prayer list keeps growing. We have a woman in our church who has been in hospice care since June – no hope for recovery of her brain cancer – sleeping away the days until the Lord finally calls her home.

We have friends who have brought so many to the Lord, following Him without fail, who are in dire financial straits and may lose their home.

The daughter of one of our friends was innocently involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in a person’s death.

I am sure that each of you know people close to you that are suffering.

Fervent praying is certainly one of the best things we can do – for God is the giver of comfort and strength beyond our capabilities. To Him, we can pour out our sadness and concerns for those we know and love.

I often visualize those I am praying for as having their arms outstretched, reaching up to God.

The people I  mentioned above appear in my mind as curled up in hurt and sorrow. My prayer for them is that God will reach down and gently take them in His arms, tenderly surrounding them with His grace, peace, and love.

And I continue to pray that, in times when friends need support, He will help me know what to say and when to say it.

For The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. ~ Luke 12:12

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;  he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him,  for God is our refuge. ~Psalm 62:5-8