“Lord, remind me to just breathe and let the cool fall air seep into my senses and calm my soul. Between ridiculous wars waged in the halls of our Congress and the battles abroad, we need your professional help.
I often wonder if you are walking away and ending this old world. I couldn’t blame you much. For those who have read your book’s last chapter, you are following the words John wrote and what he saw. Fires, earthquakes, wars, immoral selfish leaders, self-righteous folks, and turmoil fill our earth. Now Israel attacked? Wow!
And even though you do know what you are doing, could you give us another chance to do better?
Thank you, Lord.”
I know folks have discussed the end of time since the beginning of time, and who knows when we will be gone, but there is still hope. So many good folks are still around, even though we all get sidetracked with wackiness occasionally. We genuinely aren’t that bright; we just think we are.
That may be the main problem.
The quest for power is in a race with the pursuit of justice and equality. Evil, indeed, is battling goodness on many fronts. Churches are separating into sects, our government is splitting into factions, and often, they can turn folks away from caring at all.
Every person believes they are correct, and boy, do we argue over our beliefs! But when our idea of what is right or wrong comes before God’s words, we are all wrong.
Sometimes, I feel the Lord is trying to shake us silly to remind us to first follow Him instead of any earthly power. We endured a killing plague, wildfires, floods, storms, and some mighty bad Washington behavior, but many still aren’t shaken.
Some folks blamed others for all the horror we endured instead of working together to find solutions. We proved the old theory that blaming and hate is much easier than admitting fault and love.
We witness evil proclaiming innocent lives and horrors we cannot comprehend. However, those who inflame and spread hostility must be held accountable.
My children were put in time out or grounded if they bullied, spoke ill-will, poked fun at others, and disrespected any human soul. When we elect leaders who do not follow the same principles, it is an affront to godly behavior and civility.
When I witnessed a well-known political candidate openly mock a disabled reporter during a campaign, I walked outside to my porch and cried. I have seen everything I taught my children not to do from our presumed government leaders.
Character matters, and lack of it results in dire consequences. Does policy come before godly behavior? Does spreading fear come before the fear of God?
Many in the political realm gain popularity by promoting ill will, blame, and vengeance. That’s a shame because they would win and have more support if they were more respectful and showed dignity. They lose because many American mothers proclaim, “You’re grounded.”
This is not a Republican or Democratic issue but a humanitarian one. It is not about winning a race but running with grace and God.
So, which way do we turn?
We saw a smattering of how untruths and lousy behavior can corrupt our nation when our Capitol was attacked. How does terrorism begin, or how does a dictator start his reign? It begins with selfish behavior, lack of fear of God, disrespect for human life, and inaction by those who believe in peace.
“Lord, help all people to see you on the road, stop and offer you a ride through the hills and valleys of our entire existence.”
For each person to aid those in need and demonstrate love will advance goodness instead of evil. We can be less combative and listen to others by being more open-minded and courteous. Kindness does not kill.
It is easy to be thoughtful and compassionate if we raise awareness of the benefits. We can prevent many disasters if we try to help the Lord and fear His judgment instead of judging others. If we applaud respectfulness, tolerance, and understanding, we can remind the world of the goodness of our nation.
“And Lord, help us all to breathe the cool air of autumn, feel the warmth of your love, and find peace. For we know you will win the ultimate battle.”
“If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.” Proverbs 8:13
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia author and columnist. Her work is regularly featured on NowHabersham.com and in publications around the country through the USA Today Network. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
