Hello loved ones,
It is hard to find the words to address the tragedies that our community and country are facing in a time meant for thankfulness, giving, and joy. From Woodmore Elementary, to Ohio State, the wildfires in Gatlinburg and the tornados in Alabama and Athens, how can we begin to understand or make peace with all of the death and destruction around us? These feelings of anxiety and confusion led me to Philippians 4:1-9 for this week's #lookoutlivingword. I am first struck by Paul and Timothy's professions of love for their friends in the beginning of the passage. In an address to times of despair, they begin by telling those they love that they love them and how thankful they are for their friendship. They then remind them to be "glad in the Lord always" and not "anxious about anything," which seems impossible, perverse even, in the presence of so much pain. However hard those words are to hear, much less follow, I think this passage offers me the answers I seek. I am reminded of a quotation by Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Similarly, Paul and Timothy are reminding us to look for the helpers and focus on that which is Holy. In that, I hope that we can find peace.
How does this passage speak to you during these difficult days? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this week's #lookoutlivingword.
Walk in Love,
Molly
It is hard to find the words to address the tragedies that our community and country are facing in a time meant for thankfulness, giving, and joy. From Woodmore Elementary, to Ohio State, the wildfires in Gatlinburg and the tornados in Alabama and Athens, how can we begin to understand or make peace with all of the death and destruction around us? These feelings of anxiety and confusion led me to Philippians 4:1-9 for this week's #lookoutlivingword. I am first struck by Paul and Timothy's professions of love for their friends in the beginning of the passage. In an address to times of despair, they begin by telling those they love that they love them and how thankful they are for their friendship. They then remind them to be "glad in the Lord always" and not "anxious about anything," which seems impossible, perverse even, in the presence of so much pain. However hard those words are to hear, much less follow, I think this passage offers me the answers I seek. I am reminded of a quotation by Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Similarly, Paul and Timothy are reminding us to look for the helpers and focus on that which is Holy. In that, I hope that we can find peace.
How does this passage speak to you during these difficult days? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this week's #lookoutlivingword.
Walk in Love,
Molly
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