Seeing the brokenness in the world, the hurting people, the division, the fear of those different, and hatred can cause one to lose all sense of hope. As I look around at the current state of things, I wish I could do something great and grand, yet I feel utterly helpless. My heart breaks as I watch it all unfold through the foggy lens of media.
With each word I read, with every picture I see, my soul cries out for justice for others. Without a shadow of doubt, I believe that I am to love everyone- no matter the difference.
As a woman of faith, Isaiah 1:17 constantly comes to mind as I process through everything.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Reading these words, I know how I need to live, however I still feel helpless. How can I make a difference from my suburban home?
What do we do when we feel helpless?
How do we find hope?
What do we do when we disagree with what is happening in the world around us?
These are some of the questions that have swirled through my mind over and over again. Then, I was reminded through the words of my sweet sister what the answer is.
We can be a light right where we are.
Ever since she said these words to me, I can not get them out of my mind. They are simple and profound.
I cannot change people or laws. I cannot control what others say or do, but I can control what I say and do.
I can choose to be proactive rather than reactive.
I can choose to love others and not live in fear of differences.
I can choose to train my children to love others.
When it seems like all hope is lost and there is nothing we can do, that is the moment we need to stand even stronger. We do not need to be discouraged because our hope is not in people but in Jesus Christ and there is a steady peace that comes in knowing that.
When we feel helpless, we can remember that we can make a difference right where we are. Yes, even in that suburban home. There are endless ways to be a light right where you are. From loving your neighbors, to extending a warm welcome to someone new in town, we can be light in a dark world.
All those little moments with our kids, the training every day moments, are making a difference because we are raising the next generation. We can choose to teach our kids how to love and be lights in the darkness.
As we go about our week, we can step out in trust, knowing that God is in control. We can be intentional as we faithfully train the next generation to love and be love. We can extend a helping hand to those around us- no matter the differences.
Suddenly, all hope does not seem lost because in a world of darkness there are many lights shining, and together we will make a difference.
This article was first published at Keri Lynn Snyder