Gospel.

As I sit here and attempt to process the last few weeks, I can only think of one word: heartbreaking. I am nearly speechless as I ponder the brokenness and darkness of this world. There is injustice at every corner. There is pain in our hearts. There are lives we are battling for and some that we will never see again. There are scars - both literal and figurative - from this world beating us down. Its been a long time since I have literally pleaded with my God to save a life. With tears streaming down my face I begged the Creator of the Universe to save a life - at least for now - so that the Good News of Jesus had more time to penetrate a heart and break through the darkness. It feels as though a storm has hit and we are left to clean up the pieces. To move beyond what seems like a impenetrable wall that will never fall. But still, my Savior gives me rest...

It started on an innocent Monday morning. And a 'how was your Christmas break' conversation turned into an announcement that a friends husband just found out he is battling prostate cancer. Jesus, I pray for healing.

Then came a text that evening that some dear friends were struggling and in a very dark place - contemplating ending it all. Jesus, I pray for peace, provision, abundant grace, patience, and healing.

Tuesday night - A friend was fighting for 15 year old girl being physically abused and CPS sent her right back into her dangerous situation. Jesus, I pray for protection.

A middle school boy committed suicide at a local junior high. Jesus, I pray for healing for his family and protection for his friends.

Sunday morning - three high school students died in a car accident. And a community was shaken. Jesus, let your spirit fall on this place.

Sunday night vigil. Monday night vigil. Tuesday night funeral.

The pain is real. This world is broken. How could the systems in place send a 15 year old girl back into the very place that is beating her and breaking her soul? How could a father hurt his child? How does life get so dark that it seems best to end it? Why does it hurt so bad? How do I, as a mother myself, protect these children that mean the world to me? How can my life - my one small light in such a dark place - make an impact?

Gospel. In the midst of a million questions and a broken heart, the one answer I have is the gospel. The Good News about Jesus that can take even the darkest of situations and bring the brightest of lights. Jesus came to earth. He died on a cross. He forgave me. Now I HOPE. Now I have PEACE. Now I have never-ending JOY. Death is NOT final. Pain is temporary. Life is eternal. Jesus is the answer.

So what does the gospel mean to me? EVERYTHING. 

It means that our friend is not fighting this battle with cancer alone. 

It means that hitting rock bottom is quite possibly just the beginning of a new life filled with grace and love. Jesus, reveal yourself to your children.

It means that a 15 year old girl not only can have hope, but a father in heaven that will wipe every tear from her eye and heal every wound.

It means that death does not win. While I know that many young people across this county are struggling with the finality of death and losing their friends, we hold the answer to eternity. 

So while I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I can rest in knowing that my Jesus is holding me in the palm of his hands. He has won the battle. This fight for souls is not in vein. 

Jesus, tonight I pray for our community. I pray for my friends. Please reveal yourself in a mighty and powerful way. Use me that I may point people to you. May your grace, peace, hope and love be an abundant and powerful force - bringing all people to yourself.

Amen.