Dear friends in Christ,
As I write this, millions of people in several states are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. And Hurricane Milton is bearing down on Florida. Calamitous weather seems to be the new normal across the nation and the world.
Looking at our political landscape, I think we could find bipartisan agreement that we face many metaphorical political storms. Precisely at a time when our nation needs its elected leaders to work together for the common good, our leaders seem locked in acrimonious division.
Literal and metaphorical storms take an enormous toll on us, both as individuals and as a nation. And these storms are related, because our leaders are not adequately addressing the underlying problem of climate change that leads to more frequent and more intense storms of all kinds.
It would be easy to despair. What is a Christian to do?
Those of us who were not affected by recent storms can help those who were—with prayer and monetary donations. All of us can do our part to work for healthy governance as we enter the voting booth soon.
I don’t have the answer for how to navigate the storms of this life, either the harsh weather and dysfunctional politics. But St. Paul has good advice for us. He knew something about storms and struggles. So when he speaks, he has the credibility and the experience we need.
Here is his advice, found in the fourth chapter of Philippians:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to try to do as he says. The peace of God is just what I need. Maybe you do, too.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
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