Hello
How are you? This pandemic has already realized severe repercussions on the mental health of many. There is even a story floating around of a doctor who, in despair, took her life when faced with the reality of the impact of Covid-19 around her. The world needs an alternative to the stress the pandemic presents. Let us continue to reflect on the Hope Who sustains us, in today’s Holy Nougat
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
So we’re supposed to ‘profess’ this Hope we have to others. And in this case, the root for profess is confess, as in share or proclaim. For many of us, the thought of public speaking, even (or especially) about our faith, is nerve wracking. But what if I said that we don’t really have to open our mouths?
Although many people go TO a temple for worship, there is a sense in which that’s the ‘support group’ aspect of our faith. It gives a bit of shape to the ‘how tos’ of the rest of our profession of faith. The very practical application of our faith lives takes place on the world stage, and that’s what people are watching and listening for. From each of us.
Let’s consider two different social media scenarios –
1) Some 20+ years after high school graduation, someone sent me a friend request. I had ZERO CLUE about the identity, but the person used contextual clues in a message that suggested that they knew me. I did my own security check, and satisfied that the person was legit, I asked the question – How did you pick me out? The response – I noticed you in high school. You won’t remember me, but that’s okay.
Wowch!
It may not seem to be a big deal, except that in the context clues, the person commented on the difference God made in me. And that is definitely true. The discomfort results from the memory that I was a loudly professing believer in high school! And among my professings, was disdain for some folks for no good reason, except I could.
Yeah Wowch.
What is the Hope we profess?
2) I’ve had the ‘joy’ of reading several scathing online comments about the Church, few of which were totally undeserved. Now, I might not be ‘guilty’ of the manipulations described, especially the faith healing, but for a dying, dis-eases despairing world, the Church is too silent.
Where is the Hope to Whom we hold? Are we sharing that Hope, they ask. For in a world of contagion, fear and isolation, people need to experience Jesus Christ more than ever. Not just the ‘live’ watch party sharing on social media; but the Living Healing Christ Who came down to earth so we could all enjoy life in fullness, not in isolation.
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That is to say, we can offer Hope by making phone calls, sharing tangible items with others, offering our help in ways that reflect regard for the distancing; while proclaiming the Hope we have.
But first, we have to believe IN Our Hope, and hold steadfast to the knowledge that God rewards those who are intentionally seeking God. (This may be a time for repentance from despair and then accessing our Living Hope). Then, because we believe, we share from the Truth and Peace we have encountered. We can boldly say, ‘I know Him Who I share with you. For this Living Hope is the One Who keeps me in these precarious times.’ And, unlike my double-talk high school self and unlike the testimonies of the seemingly silent church, may our lives offer the alternative to the fear that grips the world right now.
It is true, the world is currently dis-eased, no doubt about it. But in holding steadfast to the Hope we profess; we can be the antidote of joy that is desperately needed. Not just for this pandemic, but always.
God bless you.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
