Whatever else we’re doing, may we all be praying without ceasing. Wow. You can only imagine what’s coming across my desk. How do we as Jesus followers navigate the challenges?

• We hope to begin meeting face-to-face in the classroom soon. Pay attention to your email. I am not yet released to be with more than ten people. We will work out a Zoom component so those who cannot join us in person for any reason can still be with us.

• Everyone has ideas on when and how fellowships should reopen. There is no easy solution and one-size-fits-all plan. And as I talk with pastors and ministry leaders, it breaks my heart to hear how many believers are being really ugly about it. We’ve never done this before, and I know everyone has their own ideas. May we be patient and consider others as we make decisions about re-entry.

• “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Revelation 21:1-4

Anyone else longing for this? Anyone else crying out, “Come, Lord Jesus”? How do we come before God at a time like this?

On top of other personal issues you and your family may be facing, two huge issues currently dominate the first half of 2020:

All the facets of Covid-19

• Illness

• Death

• Isolation

• Safety

• Wildly varying reports and opinions

• Economic devastation

• Reopening churches, businesses

• Disappointments

• Cancellations

• How to proceed in wisdom

• Political divisions

All the facets of the unrest in America

• The death of George Floyd

• Racial issues

• Protesters

• Riots

• Looting

• Violence

• Safety

• Economic devastation

• Further splintering of our society and the Church

• Political divisions

Some of us have barely been affected. Some of us have our lives turned upside down. Some have barely had to adjust course. Others have lost everything. We each have a unique experience, griefs, and perspective. Everyone has their own opinions (which of course, everyone else should share!). In the immortal words of Dylan Moran: “I know not everyone thinks the same way I do. And that’s what makes the day so long.”

I know it will be very difficult, and I know people have extremely strong opinions, but please no politics tonight. Can we agree to disagree but come together in the Word and the Lord? Praying for wisdom and direction as we take each step. May God teach us to listen, then to trust Him for each step.

“This  you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

Much love,

Linda

P.P.S. I think I should share this again: https://medium.com/@alwaysmay/no-how-are-you-really-468c0087b75