I firmly believe that on some level we can all agree that it has been one tough week for all of our communities. All week long the atmosphere seemed to grow bleaker with every swipe up on social media. Some of the heartbreaking news came from a neighboring Parish but most of it was happening right before our very eyes in our town.
At every turn this week there seemed to be a major high or a major low. Our students returned to school this week and for some parents, including myself, it was a new chapter. A new school and a new routine.
The back-to-school pictures flooded social media and it was a welcomed reprieve from the constant negativity that has been looking like a thick dark cloud. There was actually lots of excitement, anxiety and eagerness that was felt from everyone. Parents and children were abuzz with the anticipation of a new school year.
But, for some students, the classroom is looking quite different from what they expected. For some it is simply a required mask that is bothering their soul. For some students, they are looking around and it is a dear friend that is missing. All of our students are dealing with some heavy issues this week.
Not only are our students dealing with loss but our healthcare workers and first responders are tired. They are in the midst of a COVID surge that has many of them overwhelmed and overworked. It is very difficult to see so many sufferings.
Some would even say that it is hard to keep your faith when everything around you seems to be crumbling. But this is when we need it the most.
Faith doesn’t seem to be needed or coveted when things are going well. Doesn’t it seem like we all have faith when times are good? Who truly thinks about their faith when the sun is shining down on them and they are feeling the love and protection of the heavenly father? Fair weather faith is the faith you have when it is convenient and it is not built to withstand the tests of this life.
This week I watched a Pastor bare his soul while praying for our local high school and a church member. His love for his flock was on full display. I witnessed a newly installed Principal welcome a body of believers from the community to pray over the campus. I read headlines that would make any parent hold their child tighter and try to shelter them from the evils that this world has to offer.
There are things that happen in this life that are simply unexplainable. Some would even ask, “Where was God in all of this?”
Truth is, he is there for all of it. He is sitting right beside us. This is when we need to lean on our faith and hope because it is all that we have. When we feel like every other door is closing, there is one door that is always open. When we feel abandoned in this life with sadness and uncertainty of our future we need to be reminded of the constant love of our Savior. He never leaves us or forsakes us.
If you could find the time this week to pray for our First responders, Law Enforcement, Pastors, Teachers, stand and Principals. They truly need it. Pray for our youth too.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
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