Listen

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and God will say, “I’m here.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the finger-pointing, the wicked speech; if you open your heart to the hungry, and provide abundantly for those who are afflicted, your light will shine in the darkness, and your gloom will be like the noon. The Lord will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won’t run dry. They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be called Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets.

Isaiah 58:9-12

Think

As a parent with four children, I am familiar with stares and snickers. Then, the inevitable question, “How do you do it?”

Parents around the world have been asked the same question. It really doesn’t matter if you have two, four, six, or sixteen kids. The answer is probably the same. The older ones take care of the younger ones; or to put it another way, those who are able take care of those who are not able. When half the family has the flu, the well ones take care of the sick ones. When a family member is sad, the others come to comfort them. When a family member feels hurt, the others come to offer help. When a family member is hungry, the others get her something to eat.

That’s how we do it in our family. According to Isaiah, that’s how God does it too.

Through me. Through you.

Chris George

Pray

God, our Parent, remind me of my calling to care for the needs of others. Remove my selfish desires and replace them with your sacrificial love. I am your child, created to care. Make me ever aware of those around me and use me as your hands and feet in this world. Amen.

Go

God gives you strength to overcome any struggle, blessings greater than your burdens. This is Good News.

Speak Up. Speak Out.

Fast and Feed.

Pray and Act.

Live and Love.