Today’s Reflection
Hope lives in you, hope lives in me, hope lives in all of us who are willing to keep the faith, uplift the family, speak out against injustices, stand up and fight for freedom, to give selflessly to those who are in need. . . . Hope is vigilant! Hope is determined! Hope is unwavering! For hope looks at what is yet walks in the confident assurance that what should be one day will be.
—Michael W. Waters, Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture (Fresh Air Books, 2014)
Today’s Question
What actions can you take to increase hope in your community? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, help my generation rise to meet the challenges of our day with courage and integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Prayer by Michael W. Waters in Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture
—Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Read more from Michael W. Waters on the Upper Room Ministries Blog. In “A Different Set of Rules,” Waters writes about growing up as a young Black boy and raising his son in America. His experiences reflect a troubling reality for Black people across the country. As you read his story, let it guide you to prayer and action. Read “A Different Set of Rules.”
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Trinity Sunday (June 12)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments
I’m advocate, when I can, a financial supporter, of many causes, the climate, civil rights, Indigenous people, education, health, safe guns, religious .freedom, and rail passenger service.
Today is catch up with NEM day. I’ll visit you on my computer and reply. No new word on how Anneliese is doing with health and home issues. May still be at the hospital. Insurance adjuster supposed to have come yesterday to inspect the damage done by a tree the fell onto the house. Someone was home to make that possible. Had a very good trip to Morse’s Sauerkraut, stocked up on favorite German foods. Church and a community of faith meeting after worship tomorrow. Lots to think about. Need a path forward. Blessings to all of you. Thank You, Lord.
Our small group certainly has a lot going on. Multiply this by the number of people in the world, this is a super busy planet.Prayers for Kenny’s family, Julie caring for H, Jill and her Covid positive tennis partner, the death of student, All’s new job (SO FAR SO GOOD), David drinking more water, April’s caregiving, Rick and Scott,and Lou’s family, work, and home. Hopefully there will be a good and positive turnout for the CCUMC after worship meeting.. I’d compare the size of our congregation to
that of a small ship, getting them all together and into action does not compare to a ships’ crew. It’s all hands on deck or there may not be a church much longer. Plans to better prepare the condo for sale next spring are coming along. It will be a different market. Blessings in this post Pentecost season. Thank You, Lord.
I can be intentional in my interactions with all people. This weekend in Pittsburgh there is an event to celebrate all of the different cultures that have joined our community. I intend to attend tomorrow after church if the weather is good. I would like to learn about other cultures and there will be art and crafts for sale so I may even be able to provide support as well.
The kittens vet said they just have itchy butts and the scooching is no big deal. This morning one of them broke a lamp and there was glass everywhere. Last night h emptied his bladder in an inappropriate location, as he does with an increasing frequency. I have him clean up the mess which causes him to throw a temper tantrum. Such is my life.
Prayers for Ally, as she becomes familiar with her new job may she feel more at ease. Prayers for April and her loved one. Prayers for Jill, may she be safe from Covid. Prayers for Lou and her family. Prayers for Rick and Scott. Prayers for Robert and his church and for Anneliese, for her health and home.
Our town is doing “paint the town” day. Volunteers paint for others today. I can’t imagine the happiness that the home owners have when their house is painted. Those volunteers certainly spread hope for a better tomorrow to all those they paint for. I am praying for safety for the painters on the ladders and praising those who are taking the time today to help others.
In a couple of weeks our church is going to frame a Habitat home and then throughout the year they will finish building it. Last year’s should be finished soon and we will get to see it and meet the family that will live there. Having their own home is a hope fulfilled, one family at a time. We support these homes with financial help through our church.
I sat outside this morning and listened to the water falls and birds. The grass is so green in the spring, new life with this color!!
Robert, I pray that the changes in your house will create the touch that another family will be drawn to and ready to purchase. We had a tree trimmed yesterday and the extra light is wonderful!
Julie, I pray for your health and ability to continue to care for h. Our neighbor has shared that he has moved his wife to a nursing facility as he is no longer to care for her. I am now putting the pieces together with him having his shoulder surgery and him telling that she was very strong.
Jill, I pray you will not contract Covid. Friends of ours were exposed but had been fully vaccinated and boosted and so far, so good. I pray for all involved with the beating death of the student in your school. Violence comes in many forms besides guns.
Ally and David, I think of you two together, working and healing. Drinking water is sooooooo important, I encourage it in all ways with intermittent success. I pray that David will have a good intake today. Prayers for those who are mourning the passing of Kenny. The grieving process takes time.
Lou, the weekend is here!! You made it!! So many memories to reflect on and so glad you were able to be with each of your children to make them. Blessing for all of you!!
Rick, may your path in life unfold before you that you may walk with the assurance that you are never alone.
The light of God surrounds us;
The Love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches over us;
Wherever we are, God is!! Author unknown.
There is much darkness in my community right now, still reeling from the beating. However – there was news this morning that three people have been arrested. Does this restore hope? I am not sure. Hopefully adults are continuing to pour into the students as they can. It is unfortunate that we are not in school, as the teachers would have been able to provide comfort.
A lovely day of golfing with two friends from dad’s church at his church’s golf outing. We didn’t play very well, but it was a good day together.
Took a spill on my bike ride last night. The path runs along a canal – and in various places there are fishermen. I saw this one person standing up higher on an embankment with his reel, figured he was trying to untangle his line. When I got much much closer – I came upon his line stretching across my bike path. It wasn’t high enough for me to duck under. I slammed on my brakes and ungracefully wiped out. While I was gathering myself and taking my bike off from on top of me, none of the three fishermen came to my aid. I don’t believe they spoke English – and didn’t know what to do. Once I realized I was not seriously injured, I was able to get up and get off to the side of the path. None of them even motioned or attempted to communicate with me. Luckily, I was less than 2 miles from home and my bike didn’t seem any worse for wear. A little sore today. I was fortunate that I landed on the grass and not on the gravel/partially paved path.
Your concerns remain in my heart and in my prayers.
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