Psalm 30:11 tells us God can turn mourning into dancing, wail to song and pain to gladness.  It continues on  to tell us to not be silent in praising Him for doing so.  All of my energy is focused on the spirit of the truth, which often includes NIV, KJV, NKJV and NASB translations.  Paraphrasing is my way of sharing what is echoing in my heart after reading scripture and the action He would have me to take today.

In the aftermath of last nights devastating losses in Dallas, TX, my social media feed amplified sadness, hurt, misdirection and all things negative.  Yes, Black Lives Matter.  ALL lives matter.   In the past two terms, I have witnessed any pre-existing racial divide become a giant chasm fueled by President Obama’s lack of leadership in certain areas.  Today, he took this tragedy as an opportunity to push his gun control platform, instead of empathizing with a city, state and country in mourning.  Between the racial issues, the general angst and the religious versus atheist opinions, my heart just hurt.  Still, I know He would have me to find a way to sing His praises and potentially lead others to a joyful song.

When my morning Bible flip took me to James 1:2 this morning, a smile washed over my face.  How perfect He he would choose to immediately comfort me with direction for the day.  While I agree with my husband that the Book of James should “step on our toes a bit”, it has grown to be more comforting than uncomfortable for me to take such direction.   Thank you, God, for reminding me to consider it pure joy whenever I face trials.  Thank you for leading me to turn off my television and listen to your voice.  You even go on in James 1:19 to remind me to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger!

Instead of looking at a huge world and being overwhelmed, it was put on my heart to bear careful, thoughtful witness to one friend who is an atheist.  In short, she posted that prayer won’t help and contradicted herself in her message. You can’t say, “don’t judge” and then, in fact, judge.   In the past, I would have just kept silent and been a positive example of Christ at work in my life.  Today, it felt different. I felt compelled to share my heart among the limited comments against prayer:

“That said, I absolutely do believe there is power in prayer. Do I think all it takes to solve any problem is prayer? No. I believe prayer is to reflect, improve and seek guidance or answers to things which trouble us. I do pray to God and believe Jesus walked this earth to give humanity a chance. I also believe many organized religions miss the boat when they stray from promoting love, understanding, compassion and forgiveness. I believe we are all called to love, serve and be good to one another. I am struggling to see how your opinions and absolutes are any more “right” than those who believe differently. I am sure your intention wasn’t to make me, or any person of any faith feel “judged” or that our opinions are wrong, yet that is very much how it reads and feels. It doesn’t change my love for you and yours.”

Lord, please help anyone who reads my comment to feel the genuine love in my heart for you, your son, Jesus, and for the reader.  Help me serve your kingdom, your way.  You are not Burger King. You are the King of Kings.  I love you.