You Don't Go Into This Alone

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I made a mistake this morning.  I was online, and it just happened.  I know it was wrong, but the link was there in my inbox, and I just clicked it.  I was instantly sorry if that helps.

 But rest assured... that's the last time I start my day off clicking a link for a news website.  😉

 Seriously... it only took a second to send my great mood this morning plummeting.  I was immediately whiplashed from the pleasantness of my morning coffee and wonderfully quiet house into all the bad news that's unfit to print. 

 The world is messed up, people.  There are all kinds of horrible things happening all the time, all over the world.  And unlike when I was a kid, we don't have to wait until the hours of 6PM - 7PM to watch it on TV.  It's always on.  Everywhere. 

 It's enough to make you want to shut it all out, retreat, give up or otherwise quit trying to make the world a better place.  I mean, what good could any of us really do in the face of such obstacles? 

 It's in those moments of despair that I am reminded of Jesus' promise to his followers that no matter what he was going to be with us always.  He promised that he would never leave us.  Never forsake us.  

 Theologian Walter Brueggeman writes beautifully about this: 
It's as if God knew that being an antidote to a dysfunctional world is a big, hard, dangerous demanding assignment.  It causes one to be uprooted, off balance, at risk.  And so comes this divine promise.  "I will go with you...you--not alone, but with me."
So if you started your day feeling a bit overwhelmed about all of the things in the world that need changing...  If you are beginning to wonder if it's worth it to keep trying to make a difference... 

 Know that you can step forward in courage because you don't go into this alone.  

 May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.  


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