Tag: violence

Press on in Faith and Hope, Friends

- dannalundstrom

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Earlier I stepped out of church to more tragic news.  More evil.  More lives taken.  More unnecessary violence.  More heartache.

Yesterday, I decided my feelings would not be the boss of me today as they have been so many recent days amidst the backdrop of consecutive tragedies.  I didn’t know my pledge would be so immediately challenged.  I remain steadfast in that commitment, but my heart is heavy, and I feel deep sadness.  However, I do not have to be powerless to my feelings.  

I honor a God whose promises still reign, and He has given me the power to act in spite of my agony.  I am going to use The Lord’s strength to continue being a prayerful supporter, a promise seeker, and a peace sower.

Remember the crucifixion, friends.  From all the view points of the people present on that dark day, it looked like the most tragic event in history, and it was in many ways.  However, it turned out to be the greatest thing God ever did for the world.  

We have to hold on to that kind of wreckless faith, friends.  We cannot put our hope in this world, but we must press into the hope of God’s word while in this world.  Otherwise, we will be starving orphans searching everywhere for a drink only to find tainted water.

John 16:33 ~I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Be the Church

- dannalundstrom

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I just read a news report about a Houston father, husband and police officer that was gunned down while pumping gas into his patrol car.  More violence against our people from our people.  The division is disheartening.

In the article, the District Attorney was exhorting people to drop qualifiers and recognize that ALL lives matter.  While I agree with her 100 percent, this is not a strong enough argument to change or stop the violence.  People don’t need to be convinced; they need to be converted.  Only light can extinguish darkness.  Jesus is light.

All lives matter is a slogan.  Jesus is a Savior.  Slogans may change headlines, but they will not change hearts.  

I fear Christians are becoming too quiet and thus being drowned out by the noise of the world.  Being the church is more important than being at church.  All lives do matter, but changing lives masters more.  Let us not be divided by our color; let us be defined by our character!  Rise!  Be the church.

We Do Not Understand, but Someday Will

- dannalundstrom

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Have you ever had that experience where you board an airplane a little nervous because of rain, snow or ominous clouds invading the skies surrounding the runway? I have many times. Every time, I have come to learn that if I can just persevere through the take off endure the turbulence, the jolts, the drops, the bump and the jerks; relief awaits. We have to make it through the facets of the storm, and once above it, the sun is shining and the skies are beautiful. The view from above the storm is peaceful and beautiful. It stands in stark contrast to the perspective from below.

This morning where I am, it is misty and gray thus far. The weather matches the tone of my heart as I wake to news of more violence against innocent people. We are all Charleston, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Lafayette, Louisiana because we are all Americans. They hurt, and we hurt. We grieve their grief. We are in the remnants of their storms with them.

What I have to focus on is that above the storm is a very different picture that I cannot see; one scripted by The Author of the universe. If I don’t focus my mindset here, the news of more violence and evil becomes too much to bear.

Jesus said in John 13:7 ~”You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”

As we wake to every tragedy, and there will be more, John 13:7 has to be enough for us today and tomorrow and every day as long as we call this world home.

Stay rooted in truth, friends. It is only by living as we say we believe that we can live at all.

Let There Be Peace

- dannalundstrom

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Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.  Let there be love from every heart that shines for all to see.  Let there be one race, with no divisive mutiny.  May we all respect the multitude of opinions with humble dignity.  Let us pray for our country in a committed unity.  No eye has seen; no ear has heard the breadth of His love for you and me.  We are all called to one thing, love one another as our God loves you, me and our neighbor-all three.  Let the violence end, hatred cease, and peace and harmony be.  Please, Father calm restless, weary souls and whisper in their ears until the it flows from their heart’s, let there be peace and love on earth and let it begin with me.  Amen.