I was reading in Craig Groeschel’s Daily Devotional, Daily Power, the other day and was taken by this section in Craig’s reflection for August 15:
They call them the “dog days” of summer those weeks when the temperatures soar and make it impossible to enjoy being outside for long. The air scorches our nostrils, the heat burns our skin, and the pavement sizzles beneath our feet. You know cooler weather will come eventually, but in the meantime, you’re sweating buckets.
To be honest, I’m often stuck in the “dog days” of the news cycle about our world, country, state, county, and city. Something needs to break this cycle. And I believe I know the antidote.
Now is the time to increase our critical thinking skills to address the issues of power, justice, democracy, and leadership through loving, and God, and love others.
The good news of the gospel leads us to stand against hate. The good news of the gospel leads us to stand with the LGBTQ community, immigrants, and refugees. The good news of the gospel calls us to love all regardless of ethnicity, economic status, and yes, even those with different political parties than our own.
Are you stuck in the “dog days” of the news cycle about our world, country, state, and city? Exercise critical thinking. Engage justice issues. Confront the abuse of power. Support those who are experiencing relationship troubles. Discard anxiety and trust God. Esther did.
You too can exercise influence for the common good. It was the way of Esther. It is the way of Jesus. Critical thinking is necessary. Now is the time, my friends.
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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