Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3
As we prepare for Holy Week, we have hope, the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Holy Week is a string of eight days that allow us an opportunity to reflect upon the shift in humanity Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross launched. It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us through the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection. This is the basis of Christianity, His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to peek into the heart of our Savior at intently close proximity. His love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross, every breath up to the last, and His resurrection.
I read yesterday of the National Month of Hope. Mothers In Crisis, Inc. founded National Month of Hope to help spread hope around the world. Founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991 when she was just four years clean and sober, Mothers In Crisis, Inc. supports women and families who are in need bringing them hope and empowering them to find a new path.
I commend Mothers In Crisis, Inc. for its vision and the work its supporters do to bring hope to the world, but as a Christian, I think adding a Spiritual component to their mission would enhance their vision for culture and society. Although the bullet points below of how Mothers In Crisis, Inc. brings hope to its communities, I would add an. 11th bullet point to those below that might say to move beyond the mess of our current cultural moment to a place where all of us are invited to rediscover the love story of Jesus. Christians, non-Christians, and everybody in between. All of us.
Bringing hope to someone can take many forms. Being a positive role model in a child’s life or providing a community a foundation for future endeavors both provide hope for the future. Lift the spirits of a friend suffering from a medical issue or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. We are each able to bring a ray of hope in our own ways by contributing wisdom, time, kindness, and when possible, donating to charities that make the impossible possible.
* Everyone needs a little hope now and then. Spread a little sunshine their way and bring some hope into their lives.
* Volunteer by reading to children in schools.
* Experience meaningful and healthy communication with loved ones, family, friends, co -workers, and colleagues. * Giving of time, food, and money to help families in need.
* Minister to those incarcerated by writing letters and visiting.
* Post on social media words of hope.
* Sharing your story of overcoming with those who are going through hard times.
* Lending a helping hand to those in need.
* Cleaning up areas where there is trash such as parks and beaches.
* Spend a day with the homeless whether on the streets in shelters, etc. “Unless you walk a mile in their shoes you won’t know how to help!”
During the season of Lent, Christians should observe a time of repentance through prayer, fasting and giving. Giving, inspired by the command of Jesus to "love your neighbor as yourself." I challenge each of us to continue the traditions of Lent, not just for the 40 days of the Lenten season, but throughout the year. Provide hope for the world through your faith and the model established by Mothers In Crisis, Inc.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11
Resurrection Blessings,
Pastor Nancy
