“My dad is bigger than your dad!” I wrote that in my Bible next to Psalm 18. I remember that being a playground taunt kids would say to remind everyone else “I’m not alone and you’d better watch out”. Psalm 18 is a great reminder just how big our God is and how He fights for us.

There is a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, conversation going on in our nation right now. Though we know we will not be able to change years of injustice in a few days or months, we need to start somewhere. Let it start with us!

My heart is broken. I have taken the time to cry, listen, learn, repent and listen some more. I want to thank those that are leading the way in the process. What happened to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and thousands of others NEVER should have happened. We need to change!!!!!!!

The de-valuing of human life has destroyed whole nations and groups of people throughout history. It has allowed the hatred for a certain group to dominate over another. There are atrocities going on all over the world because of one group de-valuing and de-humanizing another. Do we really believe each of us is made in the image of God? Then we need to act like it!

One memory that has haunted me and I’ve had to ask God to forgive me was many years ago Dean and I went to the Washington Zoo. It was a beautiful day and we were having a blast. At one point, across the open courtyard, an Indian woman sitting on a bench was being yelled at by a guy: “Go back to your country, you don’t belong here.” I wanted to run over there and stand between them. I wanted to tell her I was glad she was here and she did belong here. Why didn’t I? Fear? Probably. I always regretted not doing that. Not standing in the gap for her. I don’t want to make that choice again. We need to take those opportunities to make a stand! I’m realizing that not being racist myself is not enough. I need to be a voice FOR others.

While we were house parents at LifeHouse (a home for crisis pregnancy) there was a lot of tension at times, and not just racial. One specific tension was between a Mexican girl and a El Salvadorian girl. They really didn’t like each other, both Latinas and they personally have never met before, but there was cultural bias there that brought division. It wasn’t until they found common ground: being pregnant, feeling alone, wanting what was best for their babies and their future, were they able to get past it. They learned about each other and became friends. It was hard, but beautiful!!

I have hope because I have seen restoration and reconciliation happen. I know who my God is and this is His heart. I know the plan of our enemy is: to destroy life, bring division, and stop the Kingdom of God. I know he loses. Can you imagine what can be accomplished when we, as ONE people, stop allowing hate to rule and light up the darkness with love and unity? Let it start now. Let it start here. Let it start with me!

As you take a minute to read Psalm 18 remember these points;
God hears us!
God rescues us!
God restores us!
God strengthens us!
God gives the victory to us!
We give God praise for all He has done for us!

And as big and powerful God is here, I’m also aware of our God in Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

So, if you need a powerful God who comes down, elbows out and ready to fight for you; or a comforting God who will meet you in your pain and despair to give you rest and hope. HE is that for you. HE is there is for you. I know I’ve needed both…and sometimes in the same hour.

Remember how much you are loved and seen!!! Let’s now do better at seeing and loving those around us ourselves.

All my love ~
Jodi xoxo

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