Crisis
noun
a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
By definition, we are in crisis. Our families, our careers, our health, our existence are all in crisis. I’m sure that we will all have some level of ptsd when this is all over. Things that used to seem normal will take some getting used to again. We will definitely have an adjustment period. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be resolved individually. It’s going to take a collective effort to ensure our recovery from this pandemic. We will have to rethink our health and education systems. We will have to rethink most in person interactions. What is deemed necessary? Despite the headlines, despite the panic, despite the fear, trouble don’t last always. This crisis is only for a season. This too shall pass. Eventually, the pressure will subside. The cases will lower. The risk will be less. We will survive. And hopefully, we will learn the lessons from this crisis and avert the next. Fingers crossed and prayers up. We are in this together.
Apparition
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I like horror movies.I like scary stories. I like roller-coasters. I like thrills. I like things that make my heart race, within reason. I am naturally scary though. I will run through a haunted house if they let me. I take my safety seriously. I run most things through a filter of reason and evaluate what degree of caution and preparation is necessary. I’m not saying not to take terrorist threats seriously. i’m not saying to ignore warnings and throw caution to the wind. I am saying consider the source. There are a million and one ways to die, and you don’t really get to choose. You can choose to operate out of faith instead of fear.
Ghostbusters!
Amnesty
I don’t know how many of you pay attention to the news, but billionaire, Robert Smith paid off the student loans of the entire graduating class of 2019 at Morehouse college. Student loan debts are now the largest form of consumer debt other than mortgages. It is the only consumer debt that has grown since the financial crisis of 2008. His gift to this graduating class is monumental. However, debt cancellation is nothing new.
In the bible, there was a year of “jubilee” that occurred every seven years. Debt- slaves would be emancipated. Debts would be cancelled. In Babylon, when new rulers took the throne, they would begin their reign with debt amnesty. The logic to the debt cancellation was simple. It was good for the country, and more importantly, it was good for the economy.
Jesus came over 2000 years ago to pay a debt as well. He came to pay a spiritual debt. One that required life for a life. He gave his life for the redemption of sin. Robert Smith’s gift reminds me that God is still a debt- cancelling God. He can pay off mortgages, credit cards, and student loans. He can save us from our sins, and give us amnesty.