As we have watched flooding and wars going on all around the world, it is hard not to fall into despair. But recently I have had opportunities to do things for people that they could not repay - nor did I expect them to. Random acts of kindness used to be a thing, and I think we should bring them back. What random act of kindness can you do to bring joy and love and light to the world? 

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In a world in crisis, what is mine to hold? I cannot solve the Middle East, Ukraine, ICE, the floods, so what is mine to hold. The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be anxious but to cast our cares on God. How do we do that? How do we do what we can and let the rest go? 

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The news of flash floods in the Texas Hill Country and so many people, including lots of young campers who have died or are yet unaccounted for is heartbreaking. I have spent time in the Texas Hill Country. I have driven past those camps. I have played in the Guadalupe River. The devastation is horrific. 

I am also heartbroken because a mother with 2 young girls came looking for help to self-deport. Her husband was arrested by ICE and she is terrified to be split from her girls. All of this is heartbroken, and I have to think the heart of God is broken too. 

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I have seen in recent weeks the need for community. We read about community and its importance throughout the Bible. We need others. We need relationship. Community can help support us in times of need, celebrate when we celebrate and weep or mourn with us when we need that too. How can we better be community in the way in which Fred Rogers asked us to be neighbors? 

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The church I serve is celebrating 40 years of ministry. The day has been in planning for over a year. Then the night before, news breaks that the US has bombed 3 nuclear sites in Iran. I felt the need to address it, but didn't want to take away from the celebration. I found a poem by Nikita Gill that speaks to rage and love coming from the same place. I leaned into the love. The text Romans 8: 31-39. A reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Even in the midst of cataclysmic events - whether military strikes, hurricane, flood or fire - we cannot be separated from God's love. Good to remember for anniversaries and for times of trouble.

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Father's Day weekend and spending time in Branson, MO got me thinking about my dad. He was always looking at the heart of people. He cheered people on when they chased their dreams. He would be proud of his grandkids as they have chased what they want to do. In Branson, I also got to see a long time friend who along with her husband owns one of the theaters in Branson. Tina knew and worked with my dad. And as I watched her perform, dad would be so proud of her too. It all made me think about lessons I learned from my dad, whether I appreciated them at the time or not. 

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VBS is going on as I record. There are kids laughing, singing and playing all over the church building. There is joy. The adults are having fun and laughing and smiling too. How can we bring more joy into our lives and then share that with the world. How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit like the Apostles at Pentecost and go out to share the Good News! Take some time this week to experience joy!

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Acts 16 brings an earthquake and a prison escape. However it also brings a picture of people who are free even if they are in chains. Paul and SIlas sing while in prison, they offer worship and praise in the dark of their captivity. They are free, because Christ has set them free. How might we sing in the darkness and offer hope to others? 

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Grace - we talk about it in the Christian church a lot, but it is harder to practice. How do we, particularly in busy or difficult seasons of life offer grace to others and to ourselves. Grace does not mean we ignore consequences, but rather, we allow room for growth and transformation. Give it a try. ALlow yourself and others some grace in the coming weeks. 

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Ananias appears in the story of the conversion of Saul to Paul. He gets forgotten for his role. He is the one who welcomes Saul even though he is afraid. He is a faithful servant and follows the call of God. Who has acted like Ananias in your life? Who has welcomed you into a new setting or way of life? When have you been Ananias for others? When have you done the welcoming? Watch for Ananias to be in your life or your opportunities this week. 

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