The business call started with, “I’m not doing very well. Charlie Kirk was just shot and killed.”

What?

Abruptly, business became deeply personal and pain-filled.

My heart feels heavy. I mourn the society we now live in where healthy debate doesn’t happen.

Instead, we cancel people. Kill them because their views don’t match ours. We unfriend others for expressing criticism about what we do. Rather, than go to someone who’s hurt us, we take revenge.

We’ve lost the art of constructive criticism and honest conversations.

Our world hungers for connection.

Social media likes don’t cut it.

Your follower numbers mean nothing.

But even as I grieve, I’m reminded of a deeper truth: you and I were created for connection and relationship.

Consider

Jesus faced constant criticism. Harsh words. Maligned character. Name-calling. Death threats.

Yet here’s how he responded:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

How do you respond to criticism, differing opinions, and even character assassination?

Reflect

Events like the recent tragedies across our nation grieve me deeply. And, how they must grieve our heavenly Father.

Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us to remain faithful to the one who died for our sins—Jesus, our redeemer.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

These words steady my heart when the world feels upside down.

Have you grown weary in the battle? Look to Jesus for comfort.

Does your heart bleed for these recent events? Jesus is the only answer.

Do you wonder how to make a difference? Remain faithful to God so that you reflect him to the world who so desperately needs him. You and I are God’s ambassadors to our hurting society.

Will we remain faithful to God's purpose?

​Bill & Gloria Gaither - Find Us Faithful [Live] ft. Steve Green​

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Be encouraged, Reader.

Your Invitation

If these words stir something in you—if you’ve been longing for a safe place to process your own pain—I want to remind you:

➡️ It’s not too late to join the Breathe Again Masterclass.

Our second session starts tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Even if you missed the first one, you’ll receive the recordings and full support.

This is your space to be seen and heard, to heal and to breathe again. 💛 You don’t have to carry this alone.

🙏🏻 May I pray for you?

Dear God, how far we have fallen from your wisdom and ways. Please forgive us individually and as a nation. Would you show Reader how to live faithfully for you? Give Reader your words to lovingly face anything that entangles her. If Reader has broken relationships, guide her in the mending process. You’ve promised, God, to give the words Reader needs when she needs them. Thank you that even when conflict arises, you provide the resolution. Help Reader seek that today with gratitude and a humble heart. Amen