Resilience by remembrance
Every day brings fresh headlines, and with them the weariness of seeing pride and greed displayed in broad daylight without remorse. The scriptures call this “gross darkness” (Isaiah 60:2), and indeed, it is.
When Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8), He foresaw and understood moments like this in our time. His omniscience is comforting, even when His question is unnerving.
Pondering the Lord’s question can make us oscillate between anger, despair, and helplessness. Yet though His question is stark, His answer is clear:
“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Jesus taught us that we are the answer we seek. To be His body is to stand firm for truth without apology or wavering, sacrificing the comfort of silence (Ephesians 6:13).
To hold dual citizenship—in the kingdom of God and in the earthly nation where we reside—requires persistence in the foundations of our faith: justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). To stand for these is to fulfill God’s law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). These truths violate no just law in any nation.
Here in the United States, we stand at a crossroads. The saving of our democracy, civil liberties, decency, and peace—both domestically and abroad—will not be gained overnight. It will be found in the steady rhythm of resounding resilience: the God-given ability to return to our original form after being distorted into unrecognizable policies and judicial prudence.
Remembering who we are: a nation with a dream, penned by Thomas Jefferson in our Declaration of Independence, that says,
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Jefferson, 1776)
Though this high ideal has not yet been fully realized, it aligns with God’s law of love and justice (Mark 12:30–31). And we must not shrink away from it.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Romans 12:18) and can uphold this ideal with certainty: the Father created all in His image (Genesis 1:27), giving each person the gift of free will and grace through His Son (John 1:14, John 3:16). The Declaration’s vision—that all are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights—reflects His command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Resilience must be steady. The road on this journey is measured in miles, not moments; yet every moment of truth that breaks through the noise carries weight and builds progress.
Lasting change is advanced by inches, not by feat.
As we walk, we have God’s Spirit to keep us from growing weary: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). When we expect Him, He refreshes us and gives us grace to endure (Hebrews 12:1–2). Do not allow fear and despair to consume you. Instead, cast out fear by embracing His perfect love (1 John 4:18)—even through tears.
So take heart, beloved. The days ahead will stretch us, but they will not break us. Resilience is resistance through remembrance. When we remember who we are, we remain. For the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Stand strong. Love fiercely. Speak truth boldly. Every night of darkness always ends with a sunrise that brings joy (Psalms 30:5).
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving me the gift of free will, empowering me to choose You, and the grace to walk out that choice in its fullness. Father, help me fully align my will with Yours and partner with You in the world. Father, I choose to walk humbly before You as I act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). I ask for boldness in the face of fear. Lord, may I be made more aware of Your love for me in every moment of fear. I ask for divine ideas and ways that I may use my time, talent, and resources to be an agent of truth. Lord, empower me to align with Your desire for me—individually and collectively. Through Christ, let Your work and Your desire be accomplished in me.