Hey world,

Hey. Let’s all take a deep breathe together, shall we? Don’t speak. Don’t complain. Can we all, just for a second, sit together in silence? Can we take a moment to just be together? Yes, because when we do that – we take a moment in the quiet and see each other for what we really are – brothers and sisters. When we look each other in the eyes, and see each other’s hearts, we can’t hide anymore. We can’t call each other names or judge each other – we just see each other. For the love of Pete, stop posting mean things on Facebook. OVER IT.

It’s been a hard little while, hasn’t it? Let’s just be real about it – life is hard. There won’t be a time in the history of a broken world where we aren’t just that: broken. So let’s realize that hard will always be here, but what do we know about that? There is always good and hard. They are never separate.

Regardless of your political opinions, religious leanings, life experience, geographical location, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and so on – none of that determines whether or not you should be right here reading in this very moment – we can all admit life is hard. And good.

I have, in recent months, had more moments of feeling short of breath and wondering if it will ever get easier. I have wondered what we are even doing here – and why things seem to be such a disaster? I’ve come before the Father and asked, “Seriously, God – what do we do? What do we do in the midst of all this brokenness?” 

Recently I had an experience where someone of authority said something that made me question a lot of things about myself and my calling. I wish I could tell you more details than that, but for now I can’t. I tried to write this blog post weeks ago and was so frustrated, so it has just sat. And now I know why.

After that experience, I looked myself in the mirror and said those words to God: “What do we even do with this? How do we keep on living?” and he responded in that gentle but assured way that He always does: Continue.

So friend, this is my message to you – because it is truly, truly what we are called to do.
In the midst of brokenness: continue.

When your worth and calling are questioned, when people ignore injustice, when “Jesus-people” don’t live like Jesus, when fear is coming, when hope seems lost…

Continue being the peacemakers. Continue to speak up for the voiceless. Continue fighting against injustice. Continue speaking truth. Continue; never stop.

I’ll say it again, regardless of where you come from, who you voted for, what your opinion is on any issue, this message is for you. Why? Because it is truth from the Truth-Maker.

Like I said, I’ve sat with this post for weeks now. A few days ago, I was listening to my Bible App read me 2 Timothy (which is my new favorite thing, by the way) and this verse made me freeze in the middle of whatever I was doing: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it…” 2 Timothy 3:14

I KNOW. No matter how much I want to throw the Bible out and make my own rules for life, this is why it matters. This is why God left us His Word and why we have to trust it.

This is also why I believe wholeheartedly that God speaks to us, still, today. He has not grown silent. He is not ignoring His people. And when what we hear Him saying personally to us matches up to what He has said through His Scriptures, we can be confident in His voice and guidance in our lives.

So friends, today, and everyday – this is what I believe we are called to in our lives:

CONTINUE.

Persevere.

And also, if I may – WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME SIDE. We have a common enemy, and he is a piece of absolute crap. We are not each other’s enemies. We are each other’s brothers and sisters. We are friends, fellow humans, running this wild race together. My success is your success, yours is mine. Stop trying to make enemies out of your FAMILY.

Continue to be brave, bold, understanding, hope-full, generous, humble, and kind.

CONTINUE. Fight the good fight. Do your part in your corner of the Kingdom to bring reconciliation, hope, JOY, love, peace, and redemption. CONTINUE.