Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Many thoughts were directed to Florida this past weekend. It seemed like almost everyone I talked with had a personal contact that lived in that state. Thankfully, all I heard of got out of the path of the worst of the storm. There will be some very dark nights coming up there as so many will be without electricity. As the storm recedes and the daylight reveals the extent of the devastation the need for strength to rebuild and restore will be felt by many. We who have been safe can find ways to stand with those who have been in the center of the storm. There are, of course, many who surround us who are facing their own personal Irmas of loss and loneliness and pain and trial. They deal with addictions and grief and illness and isolation. They are often hidden from us by a kind of darkness we cling to that shelters us from pain we don’t know how to handle and wish to avoid. It takes courage and grace to put on the armor of light and confront what the darkness has kept hidden, both in ourselves and others. Whether in Florida or across the street, there is a lot of wreckage in our world if we are willing to see. It may drive us to our knees in prayer. It may call us to cough up some cash. It may make us change our plans so we can listen. It could be the voice of God telling us to be different. In the dawn this week’s light, whose reality will you share?
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 