Jesus was most certainly our true definition of love in action. He laid down His life for us. He loved and cared for the marginalized in society. He gave mercy to those who had no hope, and He does the same for us today. Our Savior is most interested in how we create spaces to love others.

Over the last year, many of us have been surrounded by the perfect storm. On a daily basis, we’ve been reminded of the hate and evil that permeates the world around us. We’ve navigated our own personal challenges. We’ve tried our best to support and help others, and to top it all off we are in the middle of what Paul writes to be a spiritual battle; that we’re in the midst of this spiritual battle that’s beyond ourselves. That is a perfect storm.

We can chalk up the idea of being a “Jesus follower” to a lot of different things, and these can all be good things, but at the end of the day being a Jesus follower is simply locking eyes with Him and walking alongside Him. It’s being present with Him.

Through her instagram account, @Blackliturgies, Cole is creating and curating written word through prayers, quotes, and breathing reflections for the formation of our souls.

This has become a space of healing, of truth-telling, and of rest. All through the power of written prayers towards our God, the God who calls us Beloved.

We are indeed one body and belong to one another. Tell me where it hurts, I am here for you. But also, allow me to show you my brokenness, because I want you to see my heart.

Is there a richness, a kaleidoscopic shifting, an expansion of the Divine Spirit that we are missing by failing to walk alongside all nations, tribes, and tongues — all cultures? And not just walk alongside, but to sit with, to suffer with, to celebrate with; to enter the divine flow that the Father, the Son, and the Spirit model for us — the loving and the being loved.

The idea of healing that occurs when we talk to God and healing that occurs when we confess shortcomings to each other and pray for each other, there's something about that.

Today, let's remember how God has directed your life; how He’s ordered your footsteps. Let’s recall the tender mercies and the ever-present help of our savior in our times of need. And in light of all that, may we respond in worship and gratitude.

How can we be an instrument of peace? By also knowing the peace of God ourselves. It’s a both/and. The peace He gives you is for you to know Him deeply as the Prince of Peace. In the same way, the peace is also that you may be an instrument of peace. To give what you have received.

Over the years, we have seen lives transformed, people come to Christ, people expand their knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a Christian, and step out to ‘be the church’ in their own ways.