We are living in challenging times. Sometimes it feels like we are confronted from every angle by something devastating: the effects of war, extreme weather and climate change, memories of 9/11, economic inequality and homelessness, political division and turmoil, and of course, a worldwide pandemic impacting our daily lives, our health, and our relationships. Even the most optimistic among us are wondering if there is hope for our fractured world. How should we respond to the hurting? What can we do?
It might not seem revolutionary or powerful, but the best thing we can do in this world is to just keep loving. And that is what we do when we are part of a faith community like Marysville United Methodist Church. When we come together in God’s Spirit, we are part of Hope and Healing for our Fractured World. Just think of all the ways we change peoples’ lives:
Kloz 4 Kids helping vulnerable children be prepared to do their best at school;
Wacky Birds making gracious gifts to return joy to those who’ve suffered disasters;
our quilting and prayer ministries bringing comfort and companionship to those who feel alone;
our worship staff seeing us through a pandemic with God’s words of hope;
our Miracle House transitioning people from homelessness to housing;
Creation Care installing solar panels to reduce our consumption of precious resources.
What are these but witnesses to God’s steadfast love?
Taken alone, each of these things may seem unglamorous, small, insignificant. Seen together, they are powerful. Every bit that each of us gives brings hope and healing to those who are left out, afraid, hungry, homeless, and tired. We are not powerless; we are bearers of Christ’s powerful love. Our world is better for it.