Stand Firm
Let us join together in the word of the Lord. We stand with joined hands and seek to bring light and joy into the world. And yet, our world contains multitudes, and many perspectives run in opposition to our own. There are many who use their fear of what they do not understand to destroy the lives and freedoms of others, and to tear down the fabric holding our society together. We weep over the darkness in their hearts and mourn the pain wrought by their hands. But we will rise, and they will falter. Their end is destruction, their glory is in their shame. There is no way for them to win, only new ways for them to fail. Stand firm, my beloveds, stand firm in the Lord and He will lend us His strength. The battle may be long but will not be lost. Love and joy and freedom will endure, so long as we claim them wholeheartedly. So long as we stand together and love the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds and all our strengths, we will not break. Indeed, we will flourish.
Oh Lord, our God. Walk with us through these frightening and uncertain times. Help us to remember that we are not alone, that we live in your world. Remind us of our calling to celebrate your presence, to live with respect in creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, and to proclaim Jesus as our judge and our hope. Help us to stand firm with courage against those who seek to tear us down. Lead us not into despair, but into righteous resistance. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Amen.
Court Reynolds