The past few days have been reminders of why Christ and His redeeming love are SO needed in this country and world…
Last night I was celebrating a friend’s birthday, but there were not-as-joyful-of-things happening throughout the city. Here are some of the stories from last night that made my heart sink and cry out anew to God to pursue His people and to wake me up and to get me out of self-focused living.
Music blared in my ears. I liked the beat and it made me want to dance. But my inability to block out the crude lyrics and just enjoy the beat made me think how the people who know the words to these songs by heart, but don’t know the words on God’s heart for them, must feel so lost and frustrated in this life they are living. (Often I feel lost and frustrated and I know what God thinks about me.)
Foreign men meandered up and down Street 136 in a red-light district of Phnom Penh probably in search of a lot of things (maybe love, purpose, fun, answers to questions, or temporary solutions to problems). And I wonder if they found all of that in the few minutes they spent with the Khmer girl they chose from among of the many along the sidewalk. I’m 100% sure they didn’t…they are in search of something that only the love, forgiveness, and righteousness of Christ can provide.
Fire trucks rushed to the scene of a fire and crowds gathered to stare. I couldn’t actually see the building or the flames. I don’t know if the owners of the building had enough money to pay the firemen to actually do their job and put the fire out. It isn’t uncommon for the firefighters to just stand and watch a house burn to the ground if the owners can’t come up with enough money to pay the bribe.
A beautiful woman was killed at the hand of her long abusive husband, and a child was left to grow up without a mother. I didn’t know her but I know people who did. They are deeply mourning her loss and so am I.
This all got me thinking…this happens, maybe not every day, but very frequently. Violence and fear and discord rule hearts and minds and destroy lives. A deep love of money feeds pride and power and heartlessness. Worship of music, sex and worldly desire lead people down roads far from God’s presence.
I feel pretty helpless.
Which is good…because I really can’t do anything anyway.
So let me cry out to my Father in heaven that He may reveal Himself in whatever way He might choose—use us His people and His presence on Earth; send His Spirit in dreams and visions and in daily events. Let us cry out boldly and with urgency and not give up in our asking.
Moses did it and spared Israel from great disaster (Ex 32:14).
Joshua did it and walls fell down (Josh. 6).
Paul instructed us to “Never stop praying” (1 Thes. 17).
Amen, Kelsey. These are hard things to absorb. We’re praying for you.
Your paragraph beginning “This all got me to thinking…” put the problem in a nutshell, Kelse. “Violence and fear and discord rule hearts and minds and destroy lives.” Here also, although you are really in the midst of it. Praying this upcoming visit from family members will bring a series of renewal (for you all – and many tears too, I assume). You have many backers in your faith work and your faith is STRONG.
Beautiful words and beautiful heart- thank you for sharing both Kels.
I know these things weigh heavy on your heart, God’s too, so we must turn to Him with our constant prayers for hope, direction, peace, action…I lift you up in His name for protection as you are His hands and feet, His voice.
Praying for the hurting and lost. Rejoicing in the healing and freedom you represent!
kelsey,
my heart goes to you and your team…your growing community. praying for you, dear one.
Kelsey-Great to finally catch up on your blog. This post reminds me of the constant reasons we have to strive to end the inequities and injustices of our world. Thanks for bringing a few of the “hard stories” you have witnessed to light.