We’ve seen a lot of images on our screens these past few days. Some disturbing, some that challenge our biases and some that confirm them. And these can cause us to feel anger, sadness, frustration, or all of the above.

But let’s guard our hearts in this digital age.

We were made for human connection, and when we see the world unfold mostly through our social media feeds on our phones, we can get real cynical, real fast.

Do you find yourself sometimes internally cringing at mistakes, poor choices, or just screw-ups from your past? I mean like, long ago?

In most cases, upon reflection, the episode that has triggered this was so minor, or is so old, that it is unlikely the person that I offended or upset doesn’t even remember it much. But even if I’ve made amends and they’ve moved on, sometimes, I haven’t.

I just love stories like this. Shout out to William Joy of WFAA-TV for sharing it.

James Turner, a 70-year-old Vietnam War vet, was released from Methodist Hospital in Richardson yesterday.

He was on a ventilator for FIVE WEEKS because of Coronavirus. Even more sad, his wife and 5 kids couldn't see him during that entire time.

Until now.

What? God? Steals stuff? Like what? What does He steal?

He steals sin and shame and guilt and… souls.

People say a lot “when you suffer you can get bitter, or you can get better”.

Let’s pray for the grace to be open and softened right now to God Himself.

You might be feeling weak at this very moment, because of all that’s been going on. Or maybe, spin the wheel, and it's not weakness…. it's anxiousness. Or fear. Or some combo of those…

But, the very admission of that weakness could end up being the moment when you realize true strength.

In this difficult time of the virus and its ripple effects on persons, we need HOPE!

Hope is defined as: the mood of expectation that comes from a promise that something good is going to happen.

Yes, I spelled that correctly. When we pray we are peaced back together. P-E-A-C-E-D.

You might have heard of the Hebrew word “Shalom”, and might know it means “peace”. It's bringing together what was separated. It’s picking up the pieces. It’s the healing of our wounds.

To be in control of our own destiny is an unquestionable American moral value. A lot of times, even in church, we are challenged to “take control of your life”.

Now, certainly, American individualism and our work ethic have served us well in many ways. But we’ve forgotten, and are being reminded. Again. We are clearly NOT in control.

So, what does this mean for us, today?