In God We Trust - the United States of America Motto

Tonight, I decided to join a Raise the Bar group discussion on the topic of joy and how we find joy in tumulus times like this.  For me, joy is finding God in all things and appreciating my blessings.  This week has been very challenging for me due to my own health issues.  But I realized how lucky I am compared to others who have lost loved ones as the virus death toll reached over 400,000 today.   People have lost jobs and are without a roof over their head or food on the table and are dealing with grief or pain.  I know I am especially blessed because I am surrounded with loving, caring friends that were here for me this last week despite their own challenges such as severe physical pain and the loss of a father.

In the group discussion, it was apparent that members wanted to get their lives back to normal so that they can socialize and be together.  But when I pointed out there never has been a normal my comment was met with anger by one of the participants because of the devastation in his livelihood in the restaurant industry.  My point was that the last year has been a lesson in raising consciousness about how we relate to each other and underlying societal, environmental and government problems that can no longer be ignored.  God has been at work through it all because God provides light and hope that we can be better and do better individually and together.  But because we have been so unsettled, there is a longing to be in the moment and not constantly worry about our health and the future.  My statement that there never was a normal is because no life is worry free, but we do need and can find our moments of joy and peace in the presence of God.   

I believe with the Inauguration of President Joe Biden tomorrow we will be restoring the United States of America motto – in God We Trust.  To trust God, is to trust the Almighty creator of Heaven and Earth and to know love is the most powerful force in the Universe.  And by trusting God and his power to heal us, we can change our country and the world treating each moment as an act of love and demonstration of kindness.   And in that we can find peace and healing while rising to the challenge to make our country a more perfect union.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, 

But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 

The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.