Hope in a Fallen World
Except on the morning of July 8, 2016, there was a solemn overcast, a deep hurt in my core. It was the morning after the Dallas police force was ambushed while they were patrolling a peaceful protest, resulting in four Dallas and one DART police officers lives lost and 7 other injured. As someone said to me, the darkest day for Dallas since JFK's assassination. I sat there hurting for these families, coworkers and friends of these men. I cannot imagine the pain and heartbreak they are experiencing. I, along with so many of you, continue to lift them up in my prayers, may the Lord comfort and grant them peace beyond comprehension during this time, the days and the years ahead.
My husband and I had stayed up late waiting and watching as more information unfolded through the night. At some point we fell asleep, though I'm not sure when that was. As I've said in my previous post, being a mother at home can sometimes be a little lonely throughout the day, but the days where tragedy strikes that's especially true. Days like that seem to be happening more often. You mix that with not getting outside as much as usual, you can really feel like the world is falling completely apart. I have to try to get out and run an errand or two just so I have some kind interaction that reminds me that there still are really great people in this world . It's something Satan can really use against me. Fear. Fear to get out because of all you see in the media, and on social media, during a time like that. I honestly believe that Satan uses fear to try to make me a recluse, to separate fellow Christians from lifting each other up and glorifying God in such a hard time, and to be a light for Him, and share the good news to those that aren't Christ followers. But 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
I recited this scripture over and over in my head hoping it would sink down in the depths of my soul and calm me. But I was struggling. This wasn't the only tragic event recently. It was surrounded by days and weeks of others. But this one hit really close to home. Close in proximity, close in family and friends being in this same line of work, close in seeing how many of these men had sweet wives and children back home just like me, close in that the ones that protect us in this country the most were being targeted, and close because I have family that, due to their own experiences, has taught me that there absolutely is racism that still exists in this free world, without even speaking a word. And in that moment, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for bringing such precious and innocent children into such a fallen world. I called out to God. "This is getting out of hand. Please come back and save Your people. We long for Your return. How am I supposed to raise my children in this world? Raise them to know You? I'm scared. I know You have a plan, but the flesh side of me is uneasy because I can't see what that plan is." And then it hit me. This world has had tragedy amongst it since The Fall in Eden. I don't say that to be insensitive, but to find comfort. There has been war, death, murder and sin since that day Satan disguised himself as a serpent and deceived Eve. God has been there through it all. That's why He sent His only Son all those years ago. To a fallen world. To give us HOPE. How sad it would be to go through and experience tragedy without this hope. So while I sat there nursing my baby and watching my toddler play with playdoh at my feet, I silently went to the Lord again in prayer, "Thank you for Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son here, knowing how broken of a world it is. That's true love. Thank You for the hope that Your Son's life bought us. All of us. The war on sin was waged those 2000 year ago, and I know the outcome. We win. Thank You for loving us unconditionally." And at that exact moment I hear the sweetest voice start to sing,"You sought me and bought me with His redeeming love." My 3 year old with no idea about what's going on in the world. Praising Jesus. And once again, that the Holy Spirit speaking to me through him. So with a knot in my throat I joined in.
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood."
Thank you, Jesus.
As we finished singing, my three year old's smile turned to concern as he noticed the tears streaming down my face.
"Momma, you sad?"
"Yes. But also, I'm so proud of you. I'm thankful for you. And I hope I can raise you in a way that you know Jesus so very personally and spread His love to others."
"Momma, we need to sing more."
Thinking that was way too wordy and complicated of a response for him to understand, I reply..
"Sure. What would you like to sing?"
"Wise man Built His House on the Rock."
At this point, I'm floored. I could hardly get the words out and the tears were flowing.
"The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down
The rain came down and the floods came up
The rain came down and the floods came up
The rain came down and the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down
The rain came down and the floods came up
The rain came down and the floods came up
The rain came down and the floods came up
And the foolish man's house went SPLAT👏🏻
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down
The blessings come down as your prayers go up
The blessings come down as your prayers go up
The blessings come down as your prayers go up
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ"
Foundation. A strong one. Built on the Lord Jesus Christ. THAT'S how I'll raise my children in this world. I needed that reminder. And I also take responsibility for that foundation to be poured. It's not our schools, churches, pastors or youth pastors, the government, or extended families' responsibility, but first and foremost it's ours. Parents. Yes, they are there to supplement and aid in helping to do so. You've heard before "it takes a village to raise a kid." That is a very true statement. So let's band together for this next generation's sake and be the leaders in our homes that we are called to be.
"Lord, this world can be a scary place. Your word warns us that it will be this way before Jesus comes again. May we try to find some sort of comfort in that. Help us to be courageous just as Your Son was. Just as those officers were. That we don't turn and run in fear, but that we use that as an opportunity to serve. To be a light. A city on a hill. To bring glory to Your Name. May we be used as vessels to bring Your love to a world that so desperately needs to know it personally. Thank You for the hope You gave us through Your Son. Thank You for knowing all and taking that burden from us. And mostly, thank You for the victory You have already won. And until we are all in heaven singing praises all the days of our lives, until there is no more pain, no more suffering, keep speaking to us. Letting us know You're right there. Helping us to be bold in bringing others to You and keeping the hope You give us surfacing for all to see. May we all have the faith of a child. To find the good in tough times. For us parents to raise BOLD warriors for Your Kingdom. Thank You for these precious gifts, and thank You for loving us despite our faults. For filling in our gaps as parents. Help us to see and display the unconditional love You have for us....no matter what our age, color, size, class are. Help that to unify us as a country so that we may spread that love world-wide. You loved us first, so I say, we love You, too. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
"But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."
Luke 6:46-49
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
"And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
Matthew 18:2-6
To the ones that are experiencing the hurt that comes with racism, I am so sorry you are enduring that. I can't imagine the frustration that comes with feeling that the sufferings of your forefathers was in vain and the desire to have the world free of it for your children and generations to come. I pray that it will come to pass very soon.
To the servicemen and women that lay down their lives for our safety and freedom, that unselfishly go out into the streets daily for others, your courage in your duty and loyalty to your country does not go unnoticed. I pray for mind clarity, peace, God's companionship, and appreciation from others every time you put that uniform on. We salute you. Thank you for your service.
And, last but not least, to the families that have someone in the line of duty, here on the U.S. turf or overseas, thank you for your sacrifice, as well. I can't imagine the fear that comes while your loved one is on shift, or a mission, and not being able to have immediate communication at the touch of a button at all times. My heart especially goes out to the families that have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. May you have a support system around you that is strong, and may you feel peace and comfort that only God can extend. Keep their legacy alive.
