Moving Forward in Faith (Introduction)

I have had a writing dilemma in recent weeks, from feeling no inspiration to write, to feeling as if I could spew nonstop for months. These feelings come from the difficult days we are all enduring, and as we are growing increasingly weary, frustrated, impatient, and angry. There are moments when I feel optimistic, when I feel ready to help make the world a better place in some small way. Then come the moments when I feel as if anything I can write or do would be futile, even foolish. If you can relate to these feelings, know that you are not alone.

But yesterday as I walked – feeling both provoked and stymied – I tearfully asked God to guide my writing through these political and pandemic trials. And it came to me that I should write about embracing these experiences and the feelings that arise, and to prayerfully seek the best ways to move forward with faith and integrity. I asked God for words that would be unbiased, faithful, gracious, and universal, even as I am thinking specifically of the issues currently confronting the U.S.

What should we do with our conflicting and uncomfortable feelings? Where do we go from here? How can we make progress while remaining centered in God? If you are asking these same questions, I invite you to this two-week blog series in which we consider a few steps we might take to move forward in faith:

1. We take a step back. (Tuesday, January 12)
2. We take stock of ourselves. (Thursday, January 14)
3. We take time to learn. (Saturday, January 16)
4. We take responsibility. (Tuesday, January 19)
5. We take a stand. (Thursday, January 21)
6. We take heart. (Saturday, January 23)

I pray that you will be comforted, renewed, encouraged, and inspired by these reflections for our turbulent times.

Peace to you all,
Karen

Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash