These Difficult Times

The stories we read in the Bible are about the same things we are dealing with now. The stories we read in the history of mankind are about the same things we are dealing with now. The problem of sin and evil is the virus of human hearts, minds, emotions. I am not saying this to excuse anything. I am putting it in perspective. As long as humanity occupies this earth we will deal with these social, spiritual,physical, cultural diseases. It is not a trite thing that says those who do not learn from history will repeat it. Many will learn from all that is going on now. Many will not learn from it because they will prefer their prejudice and hatred. I have spent my life bearing witness to Good News that says this is God’s world. Goodness, love, human decency, kindness, forgiveness are fundamental to all creation. This is not escapist thinking. A thousand times plus over the 64 yrs we were married we said to one another, I am sorry I spoke and acted ugly. This is why our religion provides for times of confession, repentance, conversion. Humanity is flawed when left to our selves and we feed on rotten attitudes and harmful influences. As long as God does not give up, as long as the sun rises I will not give up, neither will I be destroyed by anger and bitterness when things are"going too hell in a basket.”  

It is ok to have uncomfortable conversations. We need these conversations, and we can have them respectfully, patiently and loving. Human relationships are simple and complicated. Life is a contradiction many times….we have to deal with the good and bad in tension all along the way.

I am not saying all this to preach. I am venting my frustration, powerlessness, pain, sadness, and anger, and hope when we are in the middle of this mess..  And I am owning my own sinfulness. 

Never quit, 

Paps/dad

colorblind

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> Looking ahead. Families can discuss the race crisis with their children and help toward a day when this will not be the sickness in our culture we are experiencing now. The crisis now is met with protest, but quiet conversations at home can teach kindness, love, respect and affirmation for every person. I heard one mother on tv say her child is colorblind and she wants her to stay that way.
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> Of course this presumes parents are colorblind too and have warm, caring, wise hearts.
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> Dad/Papa
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Hope in the Future

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> The motivation for believing in the future is hidden in God's faithfulness expressed in the sun rising on a new day. Let hope be renewed in your heart this day….
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> Dad/Papa

Wisdom

IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, HE SHOULD ASK GOD, WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL WTHOUT FINDING FAULT, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU. (James 1:5). This was meaningful to me this morning.....

Prayer

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> "ALMIGHTY GOD, TO YOU ALL HEARTS ARE OPEN, ALL DESIRES KNOWN, AND FROM YOU NO SECRETS ARE HID; CLEANSE THE THOUGHTS OF OUR HEARTS BY THE INSPIRATION OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT." (The Book of Common Prayer)
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> Love, Dad/Papa

Rulers

Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well…..Every government person has clay feet. That person needs our prayers that they will be accountable to Eternal Truth……Our country's presidents have struggles and they experience fear…..These are some thoughts gleaned from my readings…..every moment in every area of need and service is always in some state of unfinished…..

dad/papa

Peace

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> "IF WE HAVE NO PEACE, IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER."
> -Mother Tersa
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> A thought to ponder
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> Dad/Papa