We’re preparing to launch FREEDOM TOUR 2024 in a few days.
It’s exciting, and as usual I find myself becoming introspective.
Who will join? What will they need? How can we serve them?
How do we communicate the message of the kids at the Home of Hope?
With all the excitement and questions, it’s easy for me to start fussing about whether we’re ready, what I missed, all the stuff I know I could do better.
Yesterday I talked about taking time to zoom out and see a bigger picture. When you do that, it’s easier to find patterns and themes instead of becoming mired in important but sometimes-distracting details.
I’m reading and re-reading 1 John, and it’s clear the main theme is “love.” This morning I sat awhile with this verse:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Lots to ponder. Today I’m wondering about the voices, some external, many internal, telling me (and maybe you?) to be afraid. I’m wondering what they gain from our fear and anxiety.
Don’t know about you, but for me there are still too many of those voices. And when I wonder how to vanquish them, I’m reminded of Dr. King’s words.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Love drives out darkness, drives out hate.
Love – perfect love – drives out fear.
Obviously, you and won’t achieve perfect love. But when my instinct is to fight harder, I need to remember fighting isn’t the answer.
For those of us who follow Jesus, the answer – the long-term, big-picture answer – is love.
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Becky, Ernie, and I are heading over the river and through the woods to Becky’s family farm in Iowa. It’s a great place to celebrate Christmas with family and, with no Internet, to unplug for a few days.
See you in 2024.