United Methodist Now - Hold onto hope and keep on shining

Hold onto hope and keep on shining “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God won’t let your foot slip. Your protector won’t fall asleep on the job.” – Psalm 121:2-3, CEB There’s so much tension in the world right now. So much loss. So many challenging situations that we as Christians must face, wrestle with and overcome. We can do this by leaning on God’s faithfulness and promises…by holding onto hope. The shadows won’t overtake the light We shine the light of Christ into our world. No amount of darkness or fear can overtake it. Consider this story of a United Methodist pastor who has overcome cancer twice before the age of fifty and is now helping others who are facing their own cancer battles. When you need to be reminded of ways to cultivate and hold onto hope on shadowy days, download and listen to a Compass podcast episode that teaches you how to develop a hope inventory. Sometimes the quickest way to find hope is to look around at the people beside you, those working with you in the trenches to be light bearers and guides for the lost, hurting and lonely. The United Methodist connection is exactly that. Watch a video to remind yourself of who stands with you as we transform the world together.   Advertisements Meet hope-builders, and be one, too   As Fred Rogers famously said, “Look for the helpers.” There are countless helpers surrounding us, such as the United Methodists in Mozambique who are making sure young women gain skills that will help them launch their own businesses. Or the congregations who are leaning into curiosity and creativity to connect with their communities in new ways to share the love of Christ. Or the people who respond when natural and human-caused disasters wreak havoc and wreck lives. You can join them by learning about disaster relief and making a donation to UMCOR, where 100% of every gift benefits those in need. Join in prayer: God, we praise you for your boundless hope that allows us to keep shining your love and grace to those we encounter each day. Help us to continue to choose to carry forth light even on the darkest days. Amen