what's the world?

Dancers, Pink and Green- Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris) ca. 1890 Medium: Oil on canvas

Pretty things circa 2017, because that’s cheery, no?

Am I the only one that finds themself sometimes incredibly overwhelmed by the state of our world? I am not proud to admit that I have, and still do, run away from the knowledge of what is happening in our country and around our world. I hurt for this world and not knowing about it’s happenings is so much easier, so much lighter. I mean what can I, alone do about it anyway? Let me not think about it and move on.

But when I am struck with unavoidable information my mind then runs to all of the hurt, injustice and evil in our world that I don’t know about. I feel the weight and shame of the reality of all that is happening that I don’t know and therefore am not crying out to Jesus about. I, Lydia, self-inflicted, self-proclaimed, “fixer” am then reminded simultaneously of my inadequacy (per usual) but also the power that I have been given through prayer. While with my eye and my energy it may seem like I can do a ton on my own, the reality of the power of prayer far outweighs my little attempts at helping. I say all of this to say that while we have to prioritize joy and be mindful of how much we intake, we don’t get to choose ignorance. When we choose our preservation over the power of prayer we choose to live as subpar embodiments of the gospel. Not only that, but we cheat ourselves out of watching God’s glory manifest in the hearts and worlds of his people. (Which believe it or not acts as a bit of a help to making that whole circle work... faith ya know. Helps when ya have a bit more to work off of...) She’s exhausted, a little giddy and talking to herself. This could be coherent. 🤷🏽‍♀️ who knows. Don’t mind Lydia.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 MSG