Connections

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Today, many of us are forced to be separated from our church family, friends, and others. Many are struggling and discouraged. We look for ways to connect with others as we are in our “cocoons” at home. Julia Noyes of Noyes Art Gallery found a way to help community members connect. She invited persons of all ages, including children, to paint butterflies on the south side of her gallery at 119 S. 9th St. You can view the mural in the alley. My youngest daughter and I participated by adding a butterfly to the wall.  Over a hundred have added butterflies as symbols of hope and connection. More are welcome.

If that isn’t your thing, there are other ideas for connecting. A friend shared that she calls one person each day that she has not talked to for a while. This friend keeps a log of the people she calls.

A number of organizations plan “calling trees” as each member calls another member according to a list. Many churches and other organizations use “Zoom” to communicate, worship, and conduct business.

Tom Barber of the People’s City Mission reached out to over 100 churches. Singers from Lincoln churches created a composite video of a blessing –  “The Lord bless you, and keep you” –.  Groups in other cities have done something similar.  Pastor Tom stated “It’s kind of united the churches. When you have Methodists and the Presbyterians and Lutherans talking to each other, that’s a good thing.”

We can connect with God through the power of scripture, prayer, hymns, and the Holy Spirit. It is hard for us to be patient and wait for “God’s time.” Sometimes we do not take time to listen and hear what God is saying to us. One day we can be transformed into a butterfly through spiritual growth and wisdom.

Prayer: Dear God, you are with us as we grieve and live with changes beyond our control. Thank you for being with us no matter what. Amen.  

Lois Poppe