I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on the things that happened this last year. And now, the events that happened a week ago and all that goes with it are shuffled into the mix. The world feels especially heavy right now. It’s uncertain, overwhelming, shocking and at the same time much of what I’ve watched play out is not surprising.  I desire to recognize that everyone processes this heaviness and pain differently. I want to take the time to step away and reflect on my heart and motivation between keeping myself informed. I want to pause before I react, I want to listen, I want to silence unnecessary noise, I want to be someone that unites, I want to communicate with clarity, but most of all I want to stand for what is right.

I consistently feel displaced from political parties and the ideas so many hold up and fight for. I feel, more and more, the reality of what the writer of Hebrews says when he writes “here we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is to come.” The last several years have required making decisions and taking stands that have been difficult and at times painful, but in the end they are decisions that I’m proud of. Time has proven that the choices made were wise, and I’m thankful for the measure of wisdom and direction the Lord has given. But in the midst of all of this is a lot of heartache - and this hurts. The hearts of many are being exposed and it’s truly painful. It seems like more and more relationships are breaking over differences. So much bickering over things where both sides seem to be missing the point of what matters most. 

I’ve lived a life that’s been filled with hard conversations, but I actually don’t enjoy them. At all. What drives me to these conversations is a desire is to work towards the goal of unity.

I want to take one step at a time, striving to model the person I hope my children will become. How we live in our home matters. The way we talk about each other matters. How we talk to each other today matters. Character matters.  It’s my hope that we will all be filled with gentleness, love, grace, unity, patience, mercy, and peace.

In each day that we’re given, let’s try together. 

| Credits: Author & Photography - Jacintha Payne|