Opposites
It's a mad world out there, friends.
I probably don't need to tell you this.
I also am not qualified, educated, or trained enough to provide my opinions on who, what, where, when, why, or how things got this way or should happen next.
I could think about all the madness, fall prey to the nastiness, and shake my fist as I spread misunderstanding, opinions, hatred and judgments, but there's enough of that going around these days.
I long to be the opposite of all that.
But how?
I cannot control global issues or world politics.
I cannot control technology or algorithms.
I cannot control other people's actions or opinions.
All I can control is little old me and what I do every day.
I keep thinking about what I can do to make things a tiny bit better.
I want to believe there is good in the world.
And if that is what I choose to believe, then good is what I must be.
I must narrow my focus as I think about being and bringing the good into my tiny sphere of influence.
Who will I interact with today, and how can I show God's love in my time with them?
Who might need some love and encouragement?
Who may need prayers versus judgments?
Who are the people I know who are weary and worn and who may need some love and attention?
What can I do today that will bring good into the world?
What is the spirit or energy I am seeing or feeling that needs adjusting?
What is something I can do to bring the opposite spirit of that?
Where can I serve?
Where can I make an impact and make things better?
Where is God leading me to follow Him?
When will I start doing for others instead of focusing on myself?
When will I be the light this world needs?
If not now, when?
Why am I doing this? If it is for Ego, forgive me, God, and set me straight. Help me to be invisible and let You shine.
Why should I leave it to others to do the work that is needed to do?
Why not me on behalf of You?
How can one little Southside Wisconsin girl make a difference?
How can I help?
I really, truly want to show up as the opposite of all the madness I see swirling around.
The below prayer came to mind as I contemplated all this today.
I share this with you, hoping and praying that together, we may be brave enough to be the opposites this world needs.
God, please show us the way and help us be the opposites on your behalf so we can shine your light and love into the world.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.