We have a virus that has taken hold of our souls. When we don’t recognize the value of another that is made in the image of God, we fall ill with the ‘I am better than you’ viral hold. This is a heartsick pandemic that destroys trust, community, peace and value. I am not the only one to express my grief, countless others are doing the same, for that I am grateful. Grief shared is the beginning, a first step.

In the early years of homeschooling, we listened to CD’s with Bible verses set to music. I still can hear the tunes and maybe recall the verses (harder as you get older). This is one of the verses that I hold in my memory and heart,

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.

Easy to say, a challenge to live out. That is clear in the news daily.

Change begins in everyday life at home, the center of the bullseye. From there, one ring at a time leads from the home to friends, neighbours, local community and beyond. I want to lean into the words from Psalm 91,

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

I choose to trust that God will lead me as I try to live out Matthew 7:12.

We are all image bearers. When we treat one another like this we are ridding ourselves of this heartsick pandemic in our souls. We need to rise up.

The fire rages
The smoke rises
Hearts breaking
Souls aching
Prisoners grasping
Freedom lacking
Knees worn
Prayers raised
Hope lost
Hope gained
Rise up
From the ashes
Lean in
Love hard
Overcome hostility
By grace
No more passivity
The fire rages
Mercy calling
Rise up