Been an interesting few days, right? Are you like me, a little tired, a little bewildered? Maybe you’re just trying to be positive but people keep attacking? Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to go forward and be positive, be the light you want to be?
Or maybe you’re also like me, and losing it a little on social media.
It’s tough to show love in the truest sense, in the way Jesus wants us to do, when our world turns upside down. But God does sometimes take everything and turn it on its head in order to make it right again. I’m always asked how you know God is at work, so let me tell you: He just is. Always.
But His plan? That’s something I rarely know. I know He is good all the time, He is for us, but sometimes I get mired in negativity simply because I can’t wrap my head around what’s happening.
If you’re feeling like this, start small.
The other morning, I woke up to this on my computer screen from my husby. When the world seems upside down, look for your own personal center. For me, that is my faith first. Then, my marriage. My husband reminded me that we can get through anything together, and this brought me comfort. We have been through a lot and as God says, this world will give us trouble.
Then, trust.
(Trust in the Lord, signed matted print available in my shop)
My word of the year was trust. Boy, did that word come at the right time. Everything about this year seems to challenge me to trust. Through that, I grow closer to God. (And that’s never a bad thing, right?) I’m focusing on God’s promises.
I’m focusing on the fact that this world is temporary. We need to honor God, love others, love this world, and make the most of this gift of life.
What can you personally bring to the world when darkness and hate seem everywhere? You can bring that light that was put inside you long before you were born.
I’m often at a loss when things get crazy and I feel overwhelmed and bewildered. But that’s when I go back to being creative and then all things seem to fall back into place after that. I remember my purpose. I remember that I am here right now, at this point in time, for a reason. (And so are you.)
Show your light despite the darkness that pushes in.
It can be really, super, incredibly (and more over-used words) hard to be positive. Let’s get real. Showing love for people isn’t about walking around with a smile on your face every time sometime slaps it. No, love means standing up for people. It means politely correcting people. It means keeping your cool, even when people are saying ridiculous things.
Can you do all that in the age of social media?
That’s the challenge. Are you up for it? If you find yourself sliding (and we’ve all been there if we’re in the fray) set boundaries. Go back and reflect and pray. Stay off social media until you’re strong enough to deal with the reality of mindsets on there.
You will find that people will accuse you of things and attack. Friends will shock you with their ignorance or arrogance. People will say some hurtful, stupid things. Like, really moronic. But many, many people will also surprise you with their goodness.
You can’t live in a bubble and you shouldn’t. We are here to love one another, even the people we most dislike and disagree with.
Most of all, pray. Pray for those people who are being hateful. Pray for the ones who are choosing ignorance. Pray for yourself, for God to show you the right way to be. Pray for our country and leaders and the world. Pray for His will.
I’ve found that when I’m bewildered, it just reminds me once again of how big God is and how small I am, and that thought can bring me comfort. I don’t need to have all the answers, I just need to tap into that still small voice and do what I can. Even a small flame adds light.
