"Looking for Lovely"

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans 5:3-5 (MSG)

The chapter we are going to read today is called, “Tragedy.” WHAT IN THE WORLD, ANNIE? We are looking for lovely! How can tragedy be part of this process. Yuck!

Look back at Romans 5:3, though. Paul wrote to the Romans about shouting praise even during troubles because of what those troubles can lead to… virtue, increased faith, and HOPE. Apparently, there is lovely in tragedy. Maybe, it’s just not the lovely we want. Or, is it?

I want you to read Annie’s “Tragedy” chapter with an open mind and heart. What does God want to share with you today? What is He inviting you (and me) to see with new eyes and hear with new ears?

How do we face tragedy while looking (watching) for lovely? Tell us what you think.

God, I have a heavy heart today just thinking about all the tragedy in the world. I’m afraid our American mindset hasn’t made room for feelings, emotions, and complications that tragedy brings. Somehow, I’m afraid we’ve learned You want us to grin and bear it, white-knuckle our way through it, to just survive the thing. Annie’s chapter invites us to a new way of thinking. I believe it’s a better way of thinking and a process that will draw us closer to You. I am pretty sure we all want that. Help us accept this invitation fully. Amen.