"Dearest children... At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe us when we say that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may, in fact, be the first steps of a journey. We hope to have you back in our arms soon, darlings, but in case this letter arrives before our return, know that we love you. It fills us with pride to know that no matter what happens in this life, that you three will take care of each other, with kindness and bravery and selflessness, as you always have. And remember one thing, my darlings, and never forget it: that no matter where we are, know that as long as you have each other, you have your family. And you are home.' " (Violet Baudelaire)
One need not look to far these days to realize that the story of the world has drifted much from God’s original intention for humanity. The paradoxical relationship of economic growth and poverty, the hurts of divorced parents and broken families, and the ever persisting struggle for reconciliation. The many tensions of our society, along with many voices fighting for a say over our lives compound the age old difficulties in answering the questions every young person must grapple with: Who am I? (Identity) where do I belong? (Belonging) and why am I here? (Purpose). Yet amidst all these tensions and voices the message of God’s new world stands ever true, God is faithful to his promise, he has sent his son Jesus that we may experience life and life to the full. The reality of this new world speaks volumes to youth in a broken society. God has called us, and wants to refresh us, he desires that we partner with him in restoring harmony to our families and communities and he invites to be part of his family. The prefix “re” connotes new beginnings, it is an apt description of what God is doing in our postmodern world, a call to repaint faulty images of God and to begin to see ourselves as God does, a call to let go of limiting mindsets and feelings of hopelessness and to begin to engage the world with a new set of glasses , desiring to restore and refresh.
The question remains, how may we live in the freedom of God’s new world?
Perhaps for some of us it means finding God again…we’ve lost him amidst the fog of our chaotic lives?
Perhaps for some of us it means building healthy friendships from which we can grow and develop?
The reality is that whatever it is we decide we need to do…we will never enjoy the fruit that may come of it unless we try…unless we actually act on it.
"...they are the sort of people who know that there's always something. Something to invent, something to read, something to bite, and something to do, to make a sanctuary, no matter how small. And for this reason, I am happy to say, the Baudelaires were very fortunate indeed." (Lemony Snicket)
One need not look to far these days to realize that the story of the world has drifted much from God’s original intention for humanity. The paradoxical relationship of economic growth and poverty, the hurts of divorced parents and broken families, and the ever persisting struggle for reconciliation. The many tensions of our society, along with many voices fighting for a say over our lives compound the age old difficulties in answering the questions every young person must grapple with: Who am I? (Identity) where do I belong? (Belonging) and why am I here? (Purpose). Yet amidst all these tensions and voices the message of God’s new world stands ever true, God is faithful to his promise, he has sent his son Jesus that we may experience life and life to the full. The reality of this new world speaks volumes to youth in a broken society. God has called us, and wants to refresh us, he desires that we partner with him in restoring harmony to our families and communities and he invites to be part of his family. The prefix “re” connotes new beginnings, it is an apt description of what God is doing in our postmodern world, a call to repaint faulty images of God and to begin to see ourselves as God does, a call to let go of limiting mindsets and feelings of hopelessness and to begin to engage the world with a new set of glasses , desiring to restore and refresh.
The question remains, how may we live in the freedom of God’s new world?
Perhaps for some of us it means finding God again…we’ve lost him amidst the fog of our chaotic lives?
Perhaps for some of us it means building healthy friendships from which we can grow and develop?
The reality is that whatever it is we decide we need to do…we will never enjoy the fruit that may come of it unless we try…unless we actually act on it.
"...they are the sort of people who know that there's always something. Something to invent, something to read, something to bite, and something to do, to make a sanctuary, no matter how small. And for this reason, I am happy to say, the Baudelaires were very fortunate indeed." (Lemony Snicket)
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