Changes start with me

So much has happened in the last couple of months. The outbreak of Covid-19 with its devastating impact on our way of life, the slowing down of the economy, the murder of George Floyd followed by civil unrest and protests. Different people are experiencing these life altering circumstances and events differently. In these different situations, we have become more cautious about our health, how we are spending money, a more intentional look at the value of life and for some a new way of doing communicating and doing business online. As it relates to national life, the response to these changes have been all over the place some muted, some tepid and some vocal. In the midst of all that is taking place, let’s pause for a moment and ask, what has changed in us?

Are we more angry, fearful, sad, overwhelmed, terrified, stressed, or depressed? Whatever the reasons for these feelings, they are real and can be painful. These feelings can trigger something in a person and if unresolved, they can adversely impact our health, social, emotional health and spiritual life.

May I suggest the way we deal with this is to look inside ourselves? Part of therapy is listening. Listening to God is a powerful way in this process. What is God nudging you and me to do? What changes are we allowing God to make in our lives. How can I play a constructive role in my community and my country?

Scripture speaks to us in the midst of all that is taking place, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” Psalms 85:8. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20