Theme: Communal Call & Change
Scripture:
Isaiah 58:6 The Message Version
“This is the kind
of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the
workplace, free
the oppressed, cancel
debts.”
Devotional:
“The world doesn’t revolve around you,
Dawnn!” I remember the first time I heard that shouted at me during conflict. I
was stunned. Even though I knew the accuracy of the statement, it hurt. It was
a painful reminder that it isn’t all about me. I don’t live life on an island.
I exist in community. Listen, life is hard. Full stop. *And I believe that our
healing, the change that we are seeking, will come in community. I am a firm
believer in this idea that ‘the love you give is the love you will receive,’
‘the energy you sow into the atmosphere is the energy you will receive in
return,’ and ‘you will reap what you sow!’ Regardless of how pithy these
sentiments are, a truth resonates in them, too. Of course, there is sin and
evil that exists in our world, which, for some, translates to zero control over
what happens to us. And perhaps there is some truth in that, too. What I mean
here, however, is that we have a responsibility to give out what we expect
(hope for?) in return. It’s as simple as that, I think. A Change *Is Gonna Come
*AND we have a responsibility to wait, pray, act, and receive until it does.
During this Lenten season, let’s pray for change, exist in community together,
and love each other deeply and wholly until a change comes.
Prayer:
God, give us
strength to believe that a change is gonna come. Yes, even despite what we can
see and regardless of what we think we know, a change is gonna come. Grant us
peace in the waiting. Keep our minds focused on the work You have given for
this season. There is work to be done – in our families; our communities; our
churches; and in ourselves! Give us clarity about how to move forward in the
work. Help us to not lag, run ahead or be distracted by what is on the right or
the left. Guide our feet, our hands, and our hearts. Selah.
Reflection Question:
What
work has God given you to do – in this season – to strengthen your heart, mind,
and spirit before the change comes?
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REFLECT
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Listening to music like this always strengthens me for change - opens my heart and makes me want to lean into community with others who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteYes! I completely agree. Music opens my heart and brings me into community with others who feel similar. The words sometimes feel like they have been written just for me and that makes me feel like a part of the community, too.
DeleteI also believe the energy you give out is the energy you will receive. In coming together as a community with positive energy and prayer hopefully changes can be made. I love the quote from Mahatma Ghandi “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”❤️
ReplyDeleteFor me, community is everything. I believe that community changes perspectives, lives, systems, and people. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteMusic for the Soul. This powerful original version, and also Seals powerful version, amazingly, speak “different, same” to me, when I’m in need. Which is happening more often, reflective of the abrupt, unforeseen, life crossroads I now find myself standing at. And although, seemingly, my stroke is getting stronger, irrespective of my age, I still know without a doubt, I’m truly still trying to find my way - disconcerting, oftentimes overwhelming, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this truth. As you continue to navigate news spaces and abilities, I pray that you will lean into what God is speaking for you in this season. I hope that as you look ahead at the crossroads where you are standing, you will find peace and comfort on the journey. You are not alone. The community can hold space for wherever you are on the path. Blessings on the journey!
ReplyDelete