Time to Choose. As a civilization, as nations, as citizens of this world, it seems we have come to one of those times in history when we have to choose.
Many will testify, every pun intended, that there is only one choice – God. They will try to convince you that these are the “end times!” Funny enough, there might very well be those who are not God-minded, “the liberals,” who have the same opinion. The massive influx of refugees over the past many years. The pandemic. So many events; so many signs. ‘Brexit’ was an even earlier one. Donald Trump’s election to the position of “the most powerful man” in the world was probably the clearest signal to “the liberals.”
As battle lines are drawing, it is time to choose – which god shall you serve?
Time To Choose – Faith Or Fear
When the idea of this post first came to me, it was going in a much different direction. My intention was not to discuss political issues but more those moments of panic in our daily lives. Times such as:
- Money not flowing as freely as you need them to and the bills are piling up.
- Your marriage or relationship is on rocky grounds and you are not sure how to salvage what is left or if it is even worth it.
- You hate your job and that knot in your stomach is getting tighter.
Do we fear that our ‘leaders’ will take us along a path of no return? Or, are you one who has faith that whatever comes, the collective “We” will overcome?
Global Village And Collective Choice
Being a North American citizen, my point of reference is on that continent. However, unless you were living under a rock, you cannot be unaware that the turbulence is worldwide.
History shows how major political and economic development has affected just about every corner of Earth. While the degree of impact might differ from a continent, country or even community, to use a hackneyed term, “we all are in this together.”
Technological advances have erased much of what divided us in many ways. One small example of that – one that is connected to this conversation – is my ‘attendance’ at a church service many years ago. Lying in my bed in Edmonton, Alberta, I sang and offered my “Amen” as Reverend Michael Beckwith, Minister, Founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City, California, preached.
It was during Reverend Beckwith’s sermon that I made my choice.
Spirit of Fear Of Faith
Many times I have made it clear that “Christian” is not the label that I would choose for myself (if forced). However, the teachings of Jesus The Christ form an important core of my spirituality. The Christian Bible is a great resource for me and, on this pivotal issue for all of us now, these passages come to me:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4
It is only through ‘faith‘ that “we shall overcome” Whether in your personal affairs be that:
- money challenges
- work stress
- challenges with your children and/or family members
- relationship issues or in our collective sociopolitical issues
With Knees Shaking – Choose Wisely
Watching the live stream of that sermon, my choice was faith on all fronts.
Watching a movie on Netflix, “The Innocents”, is based on a true event in Poland that happened towards the end of World War II. A French Red Cross medical student came to the assistance of Benedictine Nuns who were raped and some impregnated by Soviet (Russian) soldiers. Taking many risks and herself escaping rape at the hands of some of these soldiers, the heroine of the story made her choice – faith.
Faith is 24-hours of doubt and one minute of hope.” Maria, “The Innocents”
That one minute of hope is all we need each day to choose faith – in humanity, that good sense will prevail, that kindness and kind people are still in our world.
What will you choose – fear or faith?
