My heart has been overwhelmed these last few months of quarantine trying to make the best of the situation. I have really attempted to stay positive in a world of negativity. I have focused on my family. During this time, I have kept my children close and safe as best as I possibly can. Even though I have kept them as close to me as I could, instant moments of fear tried to grip my heart a few times regarding my children. All the "What if's?" started playing out in my head. There was one night where I had to get out of bed and do some serious praying because I was so fearful for my children. I could not sleep. I was becoming emotional, almost to a panic. It was a scary moment for this mama. Prayer and the spoken Word of God helped me to overcome those few moments of fear that gripped my heart so terribly. However, there is a different fear gripping my heart tonight. It is a fear and concern of a world with little to no love. The thought of putting my family in a bubble or moving off the grid has crossed my mind more than once. Do not get me wrong. I love my life. I love my family. I love my husband and my children. I love our home. I love my friends. I love my church. I love my students, co-workers, community, etc. I love so many details of my life. I'm not perfect by any means, but I am thankful and blessed beyond measure. A few weeks back while staring at the beach and taking a road trip, I was talking to Beau about the love of God. Oh, how I needed that scenery! I expressed to Beau how amazed I was at the love of God. The Lord had really been speaking to my heart about how much he loves people. God loves everyone; the good, the bad, the saint, the sinner, the rebellious child, the manipulator, the murderer, the adulterer, etc. That means He loves every color, religion, race, belief system, etc. He even loves those that do not believe he exists. That's how amazing God is! He loves me even though I fail him daily. He extends grace and mercy to me daily. He is mindful of me and the things that tug at my heartstrings. The conversation got me to thinking, how can I love like He loves? I even asked Beau, "Do I love how God loves?" Could I, do I really love people the way God desires for me to? Am I too consumed with my own people, agenda, and desires? Could I love the murderer? Could I extend grace to the adulterer? Do I show kindness despite color, religion, beliefs? Yesterday, I was told a story about a girl who had been kidnapped and violated. She was taken from her home to an unfamiliar city. I cannot even imagine the hurt, fear, confusion, and desperation she must have felt in those moments. She was traumatized to the maximum! However, even in this horrible event, she extended hope and grace to a stranger who hurt her in ways no human should ever be handled. My mind was blown. I could hardly wrap my brain around it. My first thought was a definite "NO!" I do not know if I could do that. However, if she can can extend hope and grace in that situation and circumstance, then I should be able to extend hope and grace in situations and to those that hurt me, misuse me, take advantage of me, overlook or overstep me, laugh at me, or mistreat me. It was a great reminder that God loves us all and He died for us all! As the song sings "Red, yellow, black, and white, we are all precious in His sight." One of my favorite memories is my youngest son singing that song to our dog while rocking back and forth from chair to chair. He was singing that song as sweetly as he could to our beloved pup and we were all eating it up. His childlike faith, sweet voice, and innocence spoke hope, faith, and truth into our home. I have always prayed to see with God's eyes, hear with God's ears, reach with God's hands, and walk in His steps. Today, I am adding more to that prayer. Repentance has gripped my heart! Create in me a clean heart oh God! Clean my heart from judgement, pride, confusion, hurt, and anything that is not pleasing in your sight. I've got to teach my children the Word so that their hearts aren't confused or deceived. I pray they do not live in doubt or fear. The Word of God is truth and there is power in prayer. Lord, help me to love the way you love. Break my heart for what breaks yours. Help me to not be afraid to love others. I pray that we will not live in fear or doubt, but in faith, hope, love, and peace! Help us to build others up instead of tear others down. This world needs your light and your love more than ever. Help me to do my part and extend hope and grace. Help me to be the light! Regardless of what comes my way, help me to remember that you called us to reach and to love as you have loved. We are all in your hands. In Jesus Name!
1 Peter 4:8
Above all things, have unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
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