4 I will make boys their leaders, and toddlers their rulers. 5 People will oppress each other—man against man, neighbor against neighbor. Young people will insult their elders, and vulgar people will sneer at the honorable. 6 In those days a man will say to his brother, “Since you have a coat, you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of ruins!” 7 But he will reply, “No! I can’t help. I don’t have any extra food or clothes. Don’t put me in charge!” ~Isaiah 3:4-7

This time of year always bring back memories of 2001. I was just a kid, but I remember it well. I may not remember the speeches made or the responses our countries leadership took in the days immediately following September 11th. But I do remember the grief on everyone’s faces; the anger as we learned what really happened; the fear as we realized what was to come. I remember the feelings of unrest, uncertainty, and pain. And although our country has not experienced an attack like we did 20 years ago, I can’t help but noticing a lot of those feelings have re-immerged. The only difference is this time, the country is does not seem to be rallying together to support and care for one another- the divides that exist just seem to get wider and wider, even as people try to bridge those gaps.

As I watch the news or scroll through Facebook, I see article after article telling me what is happening within the political realm of the world. There are articles supporting this country’s leadership and their decisions. Other articles sharing that there are people who are extremely upset. There are ads and people posting their support for an election that is three years away. Ads and posts from people criticizing decisions and demanding change at the federal and state level. There is so much out there, part of me just wants to turn it all off.

But alas, I can’t because I have a duty to respond how God is calling me to in the ways that I am able. Friends, we have a responsibility to engage and live in the political world that plays a drastic role in our life and the lives of our neighbors. We have a responsibility to engage and live in the messiest parts of life.

I’m not saying this passage from Isaiah is the reality in which we live, but there are days that it certainly feels like it. Sometimes it feels like leaders act like children, and we certainly have seen neighbors oppressing neighbors. And sometimes it feels like no one wants to be in charge because they don’t think they have enough resources to do so. But we forget that we are all children of God, part of the family of God. And we are called to work together.

It’s a tough time of year as we remember the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001 and watch as the war in Afghanistan comes to an end in ways that has caused harm to many. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be informed, and to engage in leading our community, wherever it may be heading.

Let me know how I can pray for you this week.

Blessings friends,
Pastor Nicole