Thursday, April 3 Isaiah 43:1

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.

BLESSED ASSURANCE

We live on an angry earth in an angry world. Fear is a constant companion. Yet that is not what God wants for us. God has created us. He has called each of us by name. God has claimed us. God has redeemed each of us through the death of his son, Jesus Christ. We belong to God, and we need not fear.

God has given us his commandments for all of us to live by — not just Christians, but all God`s children, as reflected in all world religions. Love God and love your neighbor. How do we do that in the face of all the earthly and worldly anger we encounter daily?

We ask, “How can I help?” Most of the fear is generated outside our influence, but not all. Even the smallest smile or the recycling of one piece of paper helps more than we can imagine.

Recently when going into Dillons I saw a woman standing near the curb looking very perplexed. I recognized that look. As I walked nearer to her, I asked with a knowing smile, “Have you lost your car?” She chuckled and said, “How did you know?” We stood together in unity over a common occurrence in a crowded parking lot. As she walked away in search of her car, she said, “Thanks for seeing me, and have a great day.”

Thanks for seeing me. Fear can be alleviated just by seeing one another, acknowledging one another, caring for one another. I have no idea about her religious or political preferences, but we were together in a shared experience. I saw her; she saw me. We cared for one another with one another. We were not just human, we were humane.

As God sees and cares for us, we are asked to see and care for one another — for our neighbors. What can I do today about all the anger and fear around me? I can see and relate. In most instances, that is about all I can do. Responding to anger with anger or fear with fear does not help. Loving as God loves us helps.

Loving God, help me each day to love as you taught me and to care as you show me. Amen

Anita Dorf

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