Words of Hope During COVID-19
Rosalind C. Hughes, author of this week’s featured book, A Family Like Mine, explains what she has done to “keep her soul in order” and to help her notice signs of God’s love during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today’s Reflection
It is as though we are born crying out already for God. With our first breath, before we have even left the womb, we know our source of being. We know whose child we are. Deeper than memory, thicker than blood, stronger even than love, as it is limited by human imagination. The Spirit of our adoption is the one that cries with the newborn child; that weeps with the bereaved parent; that rejoices in tears with the restored family; that baptizes us before we know ourselves with the quickening Spirit of God, so that our souls cry out, “Abba.”
—Rosalind C. Hughes, A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
Where do you recognize the Spirit of God at work in your life story? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love.
—Ephesians 1:4-5 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
God, who is both Father and Mother, I give thanks for your unconditional love, protection, and guidance.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
God is near, even when we are socially distant from nearly everyone else. Register for Creating a Life with God: An Academy Recommends eCourse, a free eLearning experience led by author and Academy for Spiritual Formation faculty member Dan Wolpert.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
His handiwork is all over my life, none more obvious than the past few years. I was reading something earlier this morning about love, joy and hope. As I reflected on how I had those in abundance going through mom’s ordeal – and none of it was due to work I had done, something I had accomplished. But, rather, something He had embedded in me. And was there a moment when they became wholly mine? I can’t say that is the case. And, yet, in my time of deepest need – they were there – evidence of His providence and sovereignty. Father – continue Your work in me. When I resist being the clay – draw me nearer, desirous of Your molding work.
Dad came over yesterday so we could walk, the first time since Easter Sunday that we had walked, due to the poor weather of the week. Our walks are quieter now, less going on, less to talk about. But, still good to be together. Before he left, he noticed the forsythia which is still abloom – and he commented how mom liked forsythias. I didn’t think this was the case, but just nodded in agreement. There weren’t any around the house growing up and none currently at their condo. Next thing I know – I look at him and he is crying. He said – it is still hard for me. I told him – of course it is, I would be worried if it wasn’t. He has been going through more of her things and brought me two “pictures” which I had drawn when I was young – a portrait of our family, including our cat. I looked on the back of it, and in mom’s handwriting it said – September ’75. Her birthday is in a few days – so no doubt he will be emotional this week. I thank each of you for your continued prayers on his behalf.
We of the Wesleyan persuasion may recognize the work of the Spirit through the doctrine of prevenient grace, the form of grace working in our lives even before we become believers on Christ. When I was a young person, 12-13 years old, for some reason I latched on to the idea I was beyond God’s grace. My family started attending church with a pastor who had a heart for confused teens. Through the prayers of my parents and the gentle guidance of this pastor, I came to understand that all are in the need of grace and that God loved me. It was a long time before I heard of prevenient grace, but when I did, I knew what it was and could recognize the work of the Spirit in my young, confused life. Since those days over 40 years ago, I have seen God at work: through God’s gifts and how some of the losses were gifts. I’m thankful to be where I am so that I can see God at work. David’s respiratory therapist called and let me FaceTime with him and we were able to talk to each other for the first time in 3 weeks! He is progressing. We are experiencing a miracle here. I’m awed and humbled by the love, power and work of God in our lives. Know that I lift up the needs mentioned in this forum and know that God is working. Thanks be to God.
I left a comment about 30 minuttes ago, but although it appeared to post the comment coount still registered one. So here goes again. I have never thought of this concept before and as it involves a full life review will contemplate my answer.
Prayers for Ally and David and praise for the continued progress and the long awaited initial contact. May David’s recovery continue and may Ally continue to work where her mind can be occupied.
Prayers for Jill and Larry as they remain isolated during this painful, sorrow filled anniversary. May God hold them both.
Prayers for Andrea, April, BJ, Lou, Rick and Robert. May they and their families and loveed ones be safe and healthy.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my mom’s move. Please pray that she does not overdo during the move as she has had back and neck issues of late. She has many people offer their help and I pray they wil limit her lifting.
Prayers and thank you and health and safety dear UR
I pray for Jill and Larty as they remember and grieve Gloria as her birthday approaches. For Julie and Megan, with gratitude their mother/grandmother is in a safe living situation. For Meesok, as she continues to recuperate from surgery, may the course be smooth., and for Robert and Erich. For David’s continued improvement, for strength regained, and for Ally’s support. Prayers for all dear UR friends.
I ask for your prayers for my daughter and me. We had a misunderstanding and tense words in a text dialogue this morning and now she has blocked me. I pray to understand her better and I pray for reconciliation. We are both sensitive. I over-reacted to her, rather than stepping back and giving myself space to think.
Psalm 16:11 – You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
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