The historic freeze in Texas is almost over and it has been extremely difficult for many people.  Having lived in Texas on/off most of her life, Sadie doesn’t remember experiencing anything quite like it. Yet God was miraculous as he normally is and he spared her home from losing any utilities. No water pipes burst, electricity stayed on, and she was able to go on with her daily routine and be present for clients.  This 37-degree morning, as she sips on her coffee and meditates before beginning her day,  she glances at the family portraits and the picture of Jesus in a corner of her living room. She smiles with gratitude and speaks to the holy spirit that lives within her: “Thank you for being my rock,” she directs at her family and most importantly, at Jesus.

The words “rock” and “stone”, referring to the prime elements in ancient foundations, are used in scriptures as metaphors signifying strength, steadiness, and durability. The prophets of yesteryear used these metaphors in many ways, conveying an impression of the unshakeable character of God as well as the need for spiritual affinity in the foundation and structure of our own lives.

Sadie’s foundation is solid,  yet she was discomfited in some people’s behavior this week.   Of course, she too is human and she too has said and written things in the heat of emotions;  but when people spew vitriol after a person has died from an incurable disease,  she couldn’t wrap her head around this notion. .  She can’t understand how people can be glad that somebody has died!  Why do some people politicize everything?  Could it be because of their lack of spiritual understanding? Could it be because they are not entuned with their own purpose in life? Are they lacking so much that their lives have become all about politics?  Or could it be because their hearts are evil and dark?  Sadie will not judge and Sadie still believes that we are all born with a clean slate and basically are good people, yet Sadie is aware of the scripture in the Bible that does mention something about a “wicked heart.” She will have to go back and reread that scripture, yet this morning, she is merely trying to make sense of the state of affairs our country is in.

Rush Hudson Limbaugh III was an American radio personality, conservative political commentator, author, and television show host who died this week after a battle with lung cancer. Sadie was beyond herself when people were rejoicing, to say the least, that he had passed away.  Not only were they spewing their wrath and hatred, but their divisive rhetoric was despicable! Despite the fact that he was the most listened-to talk radio broadcast in the country and around the world, according to USA Today, he was also the brunt of those people who did not agree with his blunt and unfiltered love of America.

She had to look deep within, deep, deep within her soul and as she read the vitriol on Facebook, she made a commitment to not condone evil spirits and decided to unfriend a classmate.  Of course, it bothered her somewhat, yet as she realized that FB is not reality and merely one’s view of their reality, she came to terms with her decision and has not regretted it since. Of course,  we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs, but “friends” that spew that type of malice, especially as somebody has died blurred her boundaries.    She refuses to associate herself with people who despite their claim of being Christians, words and actions do not quite mesh.  This morning as she reads about forgiveness, of course, she’s forgiven those that have hurt her, as she hopes that those that she has hurt have also forgiven her.

Still, she has no regrets. And she will pray for those people who maliciously rejoiced after the passing of this great icon.  This man was the conservative movement and this man’s legacy will continue through self-proclaimed “Rush babies.”

Sighing deeply, Sadie recites “May he rest in eternal peace Lord with you, may he find a place in your heavenly kingdom.”  The only and best solace that Sadie knows is that she continues to follow in His footsteps. She will continue to pray for the country and the division that currently exists.  As a therapist, she can understand how many people are depressed and oppressed and at “each other’s throats,” as a pastor recently noted.   2020 was a painful year with the COVID-19 pandemic and the thousands of deaths and 2021 has apparently followed suit.

Briefly, in the background, she hears Pastor Ed Young note “that there is a movement in America where people want it to be totally secular…One nation (not) under God,” he says….”if there is 100 seconds until the end of civilization, where can we find a Word from God Almighty during these difficult and divisive times?” he asks. …And if we disagree, we must focus on 1 Cor 1:10-11 in which God reminds us that there will be quarrels among us and that “These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Hmmmmm, Sadie has decided that she is pulling back. She is taking a break from social media and not be a part of the political machines that are definitely well-oiled by the powers that be.   Yet she will continue to spread her message and beliefs that we must refocus and come back to the rock when things make no sense.  She takes out her journal, continues with her draft, and writes:

Thank you, Jesus.  I will have a wonderful day, peace to our land, to our world, and I know in my heart that I will never succumb to the enemy, to that dark voice, and to the evil spirits that are always lurking.  It it is you, Lord, that I will always look up to.

(This draft is inspired by: “In him, we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” –Acts 17:28)