this world
This world seems overwhelming at times. The grief and sorrow, the worry and strife, stress and pain, division and heartache, can all seem to be the ruling forces. It is easy to get lost in the fog of all these earthly things, especially when the world seems to divided itself into fractions and we fight over the smallest of things, masks or no masks, vaccinate-don’t, pay a living wage-stick with a low minimum wage, love your neighbor- force division. We live in a divided world.
But God calls us to step away from the ways of this world. To step out of division and work toward peace, to stand up for the least of those around us, the ones who are not supported or loved by our community, this world. God calls us to love one another, even if we put ourselves at risk. It is no easy task.
I live in a pretty conservative neck of the woods. Too often it is hard to speak my truth. It is hard to speak my convictions since my convictions are normally in the silent minority and those around me look at my like I am crazy when speak of equality for all or of God’s compassion for the least of these. Yet that is what I feel God has called to me, to speak words of love for all of God’s children.
I also think if it is hard for me, a straight white female, how much harder is the fight for love and equality for those who cannot hide so easily (minorities, nonbinary persons, LGBTQ+).
God calls us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by a loving God. No easy task! but may I strive to be closer to it every day! May God use me where I am and may I find the courage to speak up in the midst of earthly confines. May I find the courage to love all those around me, the struggling, the hurting, the other. May I be renewed in mind and spirit to follow your will, O God. May I be better every day!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
