Our Lenten devotional book, Becoming a Beloved Community: A Matthew 25 journey to the cross, offers this scripture passage for today, from Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you." I find that my fear ebbs and flows throughout each of these days; how about you? This morning, I'm thinking about the Israelites in the wilderness after escaping from Egypt, and the fear they must have felt with so much unknown ahead of them. But scripture reminds us that God went with them and did not fail or forsake them. So right now I'm closing my eyes and picturing the wind/spirit/breath of God moving within and among each of our homes, as we navigate the wilderness we are facing together. How are you doing with fear today? Will you join me in the prayer from our devotional? "God of all, who goes with us and who will never fail or forsake us, grant us strength in the face of fear, wisdom to seek understanding, and clarity of vision to see the impact our beliefs and words have in your world. Amen."
Rev. Kate Jones Calone