Write His Answer

There haven’t been words to express my grief over the lives that have been lost from covid-19 and my concern for the financial nightmare it has caused others.

At our daughter’s insistence, Paul and I have stayed isolated and safe. But life is anything but normal for anyone and perhaps will never be what it once was.

It was hard to postpone both the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference until next year. I’ve kept busy editing books for other writers, working in my garden, and even cleaning my garage.

And, of course, I’ve been deeply troubled over the turmoil our nation is experiencing because of racial injustice. I have many black friends who I treasure. I hurt for them and for us all as our nation struggles to survive.

I’m reminded of the writing seminar I gave in a black church in July 2016 shortly after a policeman shot and killed a black man. I admit I felt anxious about how I would be received. I sought the Lord for what I should say to the black men and women who waited for me to begin speaking.

If ever the Lord has given me a word, I know He did that morning. I acknowledged the injustice of what had happened and its source. “Friends,” I said, “we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against principalities and powers that seek to destroy us.”  

Heads nodded. God’s presence was very real as I prayed that somehow we, His people, could live and write His answer.    

The love I felt for my black brothers and sisters and that they showed me was powerful. We were “one in the Spirit” as the hymn, “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” proclaims. Oh, how we need to live out that truth today.

Father, help us to not be afraid to confront the issues that are dividing us. Help us to listen to one another – really listen and seek to understand the anger, the hurt, and the fear behind the words. And help us to write wise words that open the door to honest dialogue that will bring understanding, healing, and peace. Bring us together at the foot of the Cross.

Make me truly happy by loving each other
and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other,
working together with one heart and mind and purpose.
Philippians 2:2 (TLB)

We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit,
and we have all been called to the same glorious future.
Ephesians 4:4 (TLB)

If one member suffers, all suffer together.
1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)

I encourage you to prayerfully consider what three friends I greatly respect have written. All three have keynoted at my conferences.

Patricia Raybon – https://www.patriciaraybon.com/finding-the-way-forward/

Jim Watkins – https://mailchi.mp/5b54493fd8d1/imitation-of-christ-is-risen-today-james-n-watkins-5160069?e=58fcb76afe

Michael Gantt – https://mkgantt.com/snakes-do-what-snakes-do/

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.
James 3:17 (TLB)