Finding Courage
So many of us are looking for the strength, creativity and fortitude we need right now.
It's been a bit like Dorothy's journey through Emerald Forest lately. We've been traveling a road that is new, a bit frightening at times and holds the promise of a place where things will be okay again and we'll find our way home. We have encountered so much along the way. We've had to learn about live stream, Zoom, Slack, working from home, making face masks and social distancing etiquette. We've ministered from our living rooms, held sacrament celebrations, funerals and weddings creatively.
The ruby slippers held a secret. We know the secret to finding the strength and courage we need - it is within us. We know that God is here, in our hearts, ministering to us and offering everything we need. Yes, we need courage, energy, creativity, innovative planning and way more helpers. We need the strength to face head on all that could come - financial stress, furloughs, lay- offs, closings and the disillusionment, anger and despair that can accompany those. It looks like too big of an ask doesn't it? This pandemic has complicated everything! We can't just cut and run either - people need us. But what if we all would choose to lean into that strength from the Lord. It comes disguised or dressed up as JOY! Sort of like the Wizard behind the curtain!
JOY - is strength. It's not having all the solutions, meeting every need, working long and crazy hours and not having balance in our lives amidst the crisis. It is living counter-culturally knowing that God's got this covered. We just need to do as Nehemiah said,
"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah:8.10
This is the best advice ever! Face what lies ahead with joy, laughter, beauty, deliciousness and abundance.
Blessings,
Jane
