Blog

13 Aug

HE’S STILL ON HIS PURSUIT

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By Nestor Soriano … My family and I travelled to Indonesia in the spring of 2019. Katherine, my wife, was thrilled to go back to her native country. We flew to the popular island of Bali and enjoyed the beautiful beaches and delicious food. We also flew to Singapore to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling country. After a few days, we returned to Indonesia and spent the remainder of our vacation in Jakarta, the capital city where Katherine grew up.

On our last Sabbath in Jakarta, I had the privilege of preaching at Katherine’s home church. I preached in English and Katherine translated my sermon to Indonesian. I preached on how Jesus is the Good Shepherd from John, Chapter 10.

After the church service, I found some youth who played and sang popular Christian tunes. After reveling in our music, our family was ready to leave, and I told them I’d like to say goodbye and thank their pastor for the opportunity to preach at his church. I noticed the pastor was speaking with an elderly gentleman who was a member at his church and a young woman in her 20s. When I approached the pastor to say farewell, and he said, “Please sit down. You need to hear this story.”

Then the pastor introduced me to the young woman whose name was Nuryl. She didn’t speak English, but the pastor and his friend shared her story with me. Nuryl grew up in a Muslim home. Her father was a Muslim leader and she attended Muslim schools. But then they shared something spectacular: Nuryl had recently been having dreams of a man in white. She was convinced that this man was Isa, the name for Jesus in the Quran. She said she came to this church for the first time to learn about Isa, or Jesus from the Gospels. She wanted to study the Bible with a pastor, become a Christian, and be baptized. I was ecstatic when I heard this story! I affirmed her in her search for Truth. I then had a special prayer for her journey with Jesus.

I learned an important lesson from this experience: Jesus is still in the business of drawing people to himself. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved with you an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (NKJV). It was quite obvious to me that Jesus was using dreams to draw Nuryl to Himself.

The English poet Francis Thompson wrote the poem entitled the “Hound of Heaven,” a 182-line poem that describes the endless pursuit of man by God:

The name is strange. It’s startling at first. It is so bold, so new, so fearless. It does not attract, but rather the reverse. But when one reads the poem, this strangeness disappears. The meaning is understood. As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with unhurrying and unperturbed pace, so does God follow the fleeing soul by His Divine grace. And though in sin or in human love, away from God it seeks to hide itself, Divine grace follows after, unwearyingly follows ever after, till the soul feels its pressure forcing it to turn to Him alone in that never ending pursuit. 

May we never forget that the Hound of Heaven is still pursuing us.

—Nestor Soriano is associate pastor at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church

13 Aug

2020 – Creativity and Flexibility Required

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NewsNuggets invited Brodie Philpott, head elder and Board chair of Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church, to share his thoughts about worship during the pandemic and how church has changed in the new normal. We welcome pastors and leaders in our congregations to share their experiences with worship alternatives and innovative activities in their churches. Ed Barnett, RMC president, challenges us to consider “how we can do church better” This applies to opening up ourselves to the needs of the community and making our worship fresh, attractive, and inviting.

What is needed to thrive in 2020 is the ability to adapt quickly and pivot plans to fit the ever-changing realities of our situation.

I love plans–making plans, thinking about plans, executing well-thought-out plans, and looking back and seeing how well my plans worked out. This year, God has His own plans for us, which included some teachable moments regarding my plans and how insignificant they are.  However, God has also shown that He has a way of showing up big.

In early March, the Rocky Mountain Conference appointed two new pastors to serve the church–Andy Nash, lead pastor, and Chris Morris, pastor of worship, youth, and visitation. They joined Alise Weber, who had been serving Littleton as pastor of families and children.

Nash began his ministry at Littleton on March 20, two days after in-person worship services were suspended throughout the Conference. Because of this, Nash didn’t have an opportunity to hold his first in-person service till late May.

Being innovative, we began the pandemic weeks by holding online services from home. The worship leader would sing songs from home and then transition over to Andy’s home where he would share a message. After a few weeks of this, we began holding the online services from the church.

This continued for several weeks till we pivoted to drive-in church (stay in your cars), outdoor church (both at our church and at Mile High Academy), and finally indoor church with two services, a first for us.

We recently ended a week-long Vacation Bible School with a return to outdoor church.  Looking back, I realize that over the course of the past five months, we held church in six unique ways!

“Being adaptable in ministry in 2020 reminds me of how the early church also adapted their ministry, Pastor Nash said. “When they could no longer meet in synagogues, they met in homes. When they could no longer gather in Jerusalem, they scattered to all the world.

This adversity caused the disciples to depend more fully on Christ, and to bring the gospel to more people.”

Worship leader Russell Palmer III added, “We have definitely learned to be flexible as a worship team. One week we are in a parking lot, the next we are in a field behind the church, and the next we are doing two services inside the church. Two services is definitely a time commitment for everyone involved, but it is so worth it to be able to worship together as a corporate body again.”

“At first, it was sad for me to look out into the congregation during praise music and see everyone wearing a mask, but then I was encouraged and so blessed to hear our church singing through their masks as loud as they possibly could,” Palmer said.

In addition to the weekly services, we launched nightly family worship times online, something that we had never done before. A different family lead each night, allowing us to stay in contact with each other even though we were apart. We were able to involve many believers, including college students, worship leaders, elders, and others.  I seem to recall someone wearing Mickey Mouse ears during one of the nightly gatherings.

We received hundreds of views each night, sometimes reaching 600 to 1,000 people. I was excited to see people commenting online that hadn’t been to church in years, and new people engaging with us. I mentioned to a fellow elder that we truly seem to be a church in diaspora. Although we are not being sent out physically during the stay-at-home lockdown, we were sent out digitally, and reached more people each week than would’ve physically visited our building.

As a final example of the creativity and fellowship involved, in April, during the worst of the pandemic, we held a wedding, limited to 10 people, inside the church. However, we invited members to drive to the parking lot and honk their horns as the newly-wedded couple came out of the church. What a blessing it was to be able to share this moment with the new couple.

God has been with us on this journey which we call the “new normal”, and there will be times that I will look back on fondly (although it may take some time).

I urge us to remember that the church is the Lord’s–not ours. He is in control and knows what He is doing. He has established His church, and nothing will prevail against it. Nothing will snatch us from His hands. My advice is to do your part, be flexible, and love everyone in His name.

“I don’t think our Littleton church family will ever forget the challenges of 2020, but as we’ve worshipped together in seemingly every possible way, I think we’ve become resilient and stronger for the future.  After six different settings for worship, we’re ready for the seventh,” Nash said.

–RMCNews

12 Aug

MHA RECEIVES GRANT FROM ADVENTHEALTH FOR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS

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By Karrie Meyers — Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy was recently awarded a grant from the AdventHealth Secondary Education fund. These funds were allocated for security enhancements, which were installed at the school during the summer.

Returning students and families will notice the enhanced door security, including the addition of new doors going from the lobby to the lower school hallway. Access control has been added to the new lobby doors, cafeteria doors, gym and storage areas, providing card access that will secure the campus during day-to-day operations and during a lockdown situation. The school has increased the number of cameras, covering the perimeter of the campus in addition to several key areas inside the facility. A new phone system was installed, adding more paging speakers for alerts and announcements and communication from administration, plus the ability to integrate voicemail to email and other call-handling options.

“Safety has always been a priority for Mile High Academy,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA vice principal for Finance and Development. “The administration, teachers, board and the Rocky Mountain Conference are keenly aware our students and families need to feel safe during their time on campus. And we continue to research and implement ways to increase school safety. We are humbled to partner with AdventHealth, and through the grant, we were able to implement many security upgrades for the 2020-2021 school year.”

The most noted change is the BluePoint Rapid Emergency Response systems installed. The system operates like fire pulls and instantly notifies emergency responders and building occupants of an emergency situation, expedites a rapid response, and triggers emergency management protocols. Because of the funds received through the grant, MHA was able to purchase seventeen pull stations, six horn/strobe lights, three mobile pendants and all the necessary software and installation.

In addition to the new security enhancements, MHA will continue to utilize the Raptor Visitor Management System that compares government-issued ID information to a database containing registered sex offenders from all 50 states. The school also has walkie-talkies turned on in each classroom throughout the day and conducts random lockdown/lockout drills so students, teachers and staff are prepared if a situation arises, requiring such measures to take place.

“We are thankful to have the support from organizations such as AdventHealth who understand the importance of providing a campus where students feel loved and safe while continuing their Christian education experience,” Aalborg said.

—Karrie Myers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photo supplied

12 Aug

CAMPION ACADEMY OPENS WITH RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

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By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy welcomed 142 students back to campus for the new school year on Sunday, August 9.

Students and staff are following coronavirus safety guidelines by wearing masks and social distancing both during the in-person classes and throughout campus.

“I’m glad to be back on campus and see all of my friends again,” commented Sami Hodges, senior. “I’m thankful that the Campion Academy staff has made it possible for us to have in-person classes because having to do school online wasn’t ideal.”

Besides wearing masks and social distancing, everyday activities look a bit different this school year. Registration and move-in were done by appointment and spread out over three days to avoid large groups being together. All chapels and group gatherings are being held outside on center campus, and desks are spaced apart in classrooms. Even the cafeteria has spaced out tables six-feet apart and is only accommodating fewer than 50 people at a time.

Despite all the regulations, students are feeling positive about returning. Haley Enochs, senior, explained, “Sure it’s uncomfortable to wear a mask and not be right next to other people, but in the end, it is worth it to get that face-to-face communication with my teachers and friends.”

Students were welcomed into the new school year at the not-so-traditional “Handshake” event. The Student Association (SA) officers provided cut-out paper hands on popsicle sticks for staff and students to use to “high-five” each other in the line that stretched out to circle the entire green on center campus. Classes still competed against each other in creative games that allowed for social distancing while building camaraderie.

During worship, Kylie Wehling, SA Spiritual vice-president introduced the theme for the year: Rise. The theme was inspired by the verse Micah 7:8, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (NIV).

“Our SA team chose this theme because we want students to go to God to be able to rise above the circumstances, we have this year,” said Tiffany Dien, senior.

–Jill Harlow is communication director for Campion Academy; photos supplied

11 Aug

DURANGO HONORS CONSTRUCTION CREWS

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By Tiffany Chacon – Durango, Colorado . . . Durango church members gathered on Sabbath, July 25 to honor the men and women who worked tirelessly during the month of December to ensure their community outreach preschool could open in January.

After the church and school were flooded In November 2019 when the sewer backed up and contaminated both buildings, Best Restoration Services and Triple Eagle Construction came to the rescue by working throughout the month of December, even on weekends, to ensure the school could open safely in January.

Faith believers sang praises and had prayer at the worship service honoring the work completed by both companies.

During the service, Durango’s pastor, Gary Force presented representatives of the restoration companies with their final installment checks along with homemade cards signed by church members.

Waiting on payment since January because of the processing of insurance and loan paperwork, the companies agreed not to pursue collections for payment.

“I felt touched and moved by the congregation’s appreciation and gratitude,” said Andrew, a representative of Best Restoration Services.

Russ from Triple Eagle Construction shared how his business was blessed during the last six months and he believes it is directly related to his faithfulness and patience with the situation.

Even though the companies were waiting for payment, they were on campus during the first two months of 2020 fixing details and making small touch ups as they were discovered.

As reported in the June 16 NewsNuggets an initiative by the northern Wyoming churches helped Durango financially with many different faith communities donating more than $15,000 so far.

The Durango members expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped them during this difficult rebuilding process.

— Tiffany Chacon, Sunflower Christian Preschool director; photos supplied

11 Aug

REFLECTIONS ON THE BEIRUT EXPLOSION

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Middle East and North Africa Union Mission President Richard McEdward shares his thoughts after the explosion that destroyed and damaged much of Beirut including the union headquarters and Adventist University.

Please continue to pray for the people of Lebanon.

 

***Video courtesy of Middle East and North Africa Union Mission Facebook

10 Aug

How Positive Thinking Affects Your Health

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Some days, bad news seems to be everywhere we look – from our phone and TV screens to our social media feeds. And other times, the “bad news” starts with the thoughts in our heads. No matter the source, all that negativity can feel unavoidable, like living in an endless “ring of uncertainty.”

But look to us, because we have some tips to start looking up.

“Outlook”, the seventh pillar of our CREATION Life model, refers to how we approach the world and our lives. Optimistic thinking often used interchangeably with positive thinking, is vital to complete overall health.

At times, difficulties may arrive in our life, but when we ground ourselves in positive thinking and our own sense of spirituality, we are given the strength and tools necessary to face tough situations and see the brighter side with resilience.

Take Advantage of Positive Thinking Day

Positive Thinking Day gifts us with a designated, 24-hours to recognize and turnaround our negative thoughts. Thinking positively does not mean that you ignore life’s less pleasant situations, it just means that you approach unpleasantness or strife in a more positive and productive way.

For example, if you are running late to work because you ran into traffic due to a car accident, stop to be thankful that you are safe and extend positive thoughts to those involved in the misfortune. Then, you might be less apt to huff and puff your way into your meeting a few minutes behind.

You Hold The Power

Turning negative thoughts into positive ones is not easy, because negative thoughts can bring strong emotions with them. Once more, negative thinking may also become a “habit” of sorts. But through time and practice, you can recognize when you are in a negative thinking pattern and form healthier habits of thinking positively, even under stress and during trying circumstances.

Our brain is our most powerful asset, and we must nurture it with positive, wholesome thoughts. This takes acknowledging that negativity is a choice and we hold the power to our thoughts. We can actively choose to look on the bright side, and replace pessimism with optimism. Actively and intentionally strengthening our positivity ‘muscle’ means it will become increasingly easier over time to naturally look at challenges or negative situations with a fresh perspective.

The Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

Research shows that our attitude toward life can impact our health. For example, prolonged stress can speed up the progression of certain diseases. The positive thinking that frequently comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don’t despair – you can develop positive thinking skills.

Researchers continue to explore the effects that positive thinking and optimism have on our health. According to research, here are some of the many health benefits that stem from positive thinking:

  • Increased life span
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Lower levels of distress
  • Greater resistance to the common cold
  • Better psychological and physical well-being
  • Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
  • Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Interested in boosting your positive thinking brain power? Take Positive Thinking Day to learn more about your outlook and our CREATION Life philosophy.

***This article was originally published on the AdventHealth website

10 Aug

Helping Kids Snack Smart

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As every mom knows, shopping for snacks is a constant tug-of-war between what their kids want and what they need, nutritionally speaking. Oftentimes, unhealthy favorites can end up in the cart to save time and money. However, that can mean that kids are eating heaping doses of added sugars, or sugars and syrups that are added to processed foods.

A report by the American Heart Association states that American children should eat or drink no more than 25 grams of added sugars daily, which equals about 100 calories. This is in stark contrast to the fact that American children usually consume much more than that every day.

The bottom line is that added sugar is probably sneaking its way into your child’s diet, and it may be time to take a closer look at which snacks your child eats.

Added Sugar Is Everywhere

Eating too many sugary snacks can cause tooth decay, obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes — not to mention poor dietary habits that can last a lifetime.

Finding sugar in kids’ snacks can be tricky. Some snacks — such as candy and chocolate, soft drinks, ice cream and packaged sweets — are easy to spot.

Unfortunately, seemingly healthy snacks can be just as loaded with sugar. Common culprits include packaged protein or snack bars, breakfast cereals, bottled smoothie drinks and pre-packaged oatmeal. Many of the yogurts marketed toward kids contain as much sugar as a candy bar.

Incorporating healthier snack options will not only help your kids get the nutrients they need to grow up strong, it’ll set them up for nutritional success for years to come.

Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Love

Snacking healthy doesn’t have to mean eating like a bird or blowing your budget. Here are some delicious and affordable snacks that your kids (and you, too) will crave.

Cheese

Cheese is loaded with protein and calcium and no added sugar. Fun-to-eat string cheese or cheese slices served alongside apple slices, carrot sticks or grapes is a healthy and satisfying snack that kids will love.

Fruit

Nature’s candy — fresh peaches, plums, apples, grapes, bananas and just about any other fruit — makes for a great snack that’s naturally sweet.

Natural Peanut Butter

For most kids, protein-packed peanut butter is a welcome menu staple. Choose natural peanut butter, which comes without added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. Try it with apple slices, bananas, celery or whole-wheat toast.

Hummus and Other Dips

These days, hummus comes in a variety of flavors that are equally appealing to kids and adults. Serve it with sliced veggies, pita chips or toasted pita bread. If hummus is a no-go in your house, try salsa or black bean dip instead.

Popcorn

This whole-grain snack isn’t just a crowd-pleaser at the movie theater. For at-home popcorn, avoid the microwave bags and go for the stovetop kernels; they’re healthier and more cost-effective, too. Once it’s popped, dress it up with all kinds of tasty toppings, from cinnamon to grated cheese to a light sprinkling of dry ranch dressing mix.

Trail Mix

This snack requires a little detective work, too, as some store-bought trail mixes are loaded with added sugar and sodium. Look for bags with only whole ingredients, like unsalted nuts, dried fruit, yogurt chips or even dark chocolate. Or, buy the ingredients in bulk and make your own mix.

100% Fruit Juice

What kid doesn’t love fruit juice? However, not all juices are created equal. Read labels closely to make sure you’re buying 100% fruit juice with no added sugar, rather than a fruit beverage that’s loaded with corn syrup and only a fraction of actual juice.

Supporting Healthy Kids and Moms, Too

Getting your kids to eat healthfully is just one part of helping them build a healthy lifestyle. At AdventHealth, we’re dedicated to caring for kids and supporting moms in as many little ways as we can. Learn more about our children’s care services near you.

***This article was originally published on AdventHealth website.

10 Aug

Why Gratitude Is Important During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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We’re living through unusual and trying times. The COVID-19 pandemic has people feeling stressed and frightened.

That’s why it’s perhaps more important than ever to focus on gratitude — the practice of noticing and being thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. It’s good for your mental and physical health, it can help you relax and its effects can help you stay well through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Yes, We Said Gratitude Is Good for Your Health
Focusing on silver linings. Counting your blessings. Stopping to smell the roses.

These aren’t just cliches; they’re activities that research shows may enhance your quality of life. The health benefits of practicing gratitude are wide-ranging — and maybe even a bit surprising.

  • Improving your immune system. The practice of gratitude can improve immune function, according to the American Heart Association. This is especially important during the COVID-19 crisis, since people with compromised immune systems face a high risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus.
  • Lowering your risk for mental health issues. Studies have shown that people who practiced gratitude showed a significantly lower risk for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and substance dependence and abuse, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
  • Getting a handle on stress. Focusing on positive emotions can help improve your ability to cope with stress, according to the National Institutes of Health.
  • Setting yourself up for success. In clinical trials, grateful people have been shown to exercise more and eat healthier diets.

Practicing Gratitude Can Be Easy, Rewarding — And Fun
Cultivating thankfulness isn’t homework, and it doesn’t require much time or energy. You can start small by taking a few moments to notice things that are going well in your life.

To help make this a regular habit, set aside a short time each day to intentionally practice gratitude. Try one or more of these activities to start.

Jot Down Your Joys
Make a habit of writing down the things you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be a long list, but if you regularly challenge yourself to identify and name your gratitude, you may begin to notice improvement in your emotional well-being.

Try sitting down and listing out:

  • One place that is safe and relaxes you
  • One thing that’s going well in your life
  • Three things you enjoy
  • Three things you’re looking forward to
  • Two people whom you love and who love you

Or try an easy-to-remember acronym, HEART, as suggested by the American Heart Association:

  • Health: Think of what your body allowed you to do today. Maybe your feet enabled you to walk around the house or your arms allowed you to hold a pet you love.
  • Eat: What nourishment did you provide your body today? What was your favorite meal?
  • Activity: Did you do something today that you really enjoyed? Take a moment to reflect on and savor it.
  • Relationship: Did you see or talk to someone today who brings you joy? Or are you planning to see someone on a video chat who fits that description? (Remember: The person in the mirror counts.)
  • Time: There’s no time like the present. Allow yourself to be grateful for the fact that you’re here.

If this sounds like too much to tackle, pick and choose what you’d like to focus on, and feel free to change it up depending on your mood or ability.

And if you find yourself saying that you have nothing to be grateful for, try thinking about all the little things you have. You may find that you’re taking for granted certain abilities or privileges you have that others don’t.

Make Mealtimes Mindful
Before and during meals, take time to appreciate the bounty on your table. When eating, slow down and savor every bite. Not only will you feel more thankful, but you’ll also be less likely to overeat.

Count Blessings Instead of Sheep
Before falling asleep, take a moment to think about the positive things that happened during your day. Research shows that gratitude may help you get a better night’s sleep.

Stop and Savor
It might be hard to recognize positive moments while they’re happening, but if you practice enough, you will get the hang of it. When you find yourself enjoying a moment — a sound, a memory, a conversation — try to pause for a bit and bask in the experience.

Create Your Own Moments
Devote time to yourself. You deserve some pampering, and it’ll be one more thing you can be grateful for later on.

Pass It On
The more selfless you are, the more you may get out of it. Research shows that you may feel happier and more satisfied with life when you volunteer. During this COVID-19 pandemic, you can help make an impact on your community while staying safe.

Find ways to give back and be part of the outpouring of support AdventHealth has received from the community on our website.

Why We Need Gratitude Now
In times of crisis, it’s important to stay connected to others, and among its many other benefits, gratitude can help with this, too.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that people who practice gratitude are:

  • More generous and helpful
  • More likely to offer emotional support
  • More likely to share their possessions
  • More willing to forgive others

If ever there was a time when these traits were needed, it’s now.

Helping You Stay Well
AdventHealth will help you navigate your way safely through the coronavirus outbreak.

For more tips on dealing with the pandemic, visit our Coronavirus Resource Hub. We’re continually updating the Hub with important news about COVID-19 that can help you stay informed, healthy and safe.

***This article was originally published on AdventHealth website.

06 Aug

LOOK UP!

In

By Chelsea Inglish — Several years ago, I had the privilege of working at a place called Camp Wawona. Wawona is located inside Yosemite National Park, a gorgeous section of mountains and valleys and forests and rivers in central California. It is full of wildlife, some harmless, some totally deadly.

The summer camp is perched on steep mountainous terrain, with a road full of switchbacks connecting the horse barn and pool at the top of the hill and with the kitchen and dining hall at the bottom. Along the road are various buildings and activity equipment, all in the midst of a thick forest of evergreen trees.

The dry, mountainous air gets cold at night, and we woke up each morning to a crisp temperature. But as the day wore on, the bright sun in a cloudless sky would heat the place up. I’ll never forget the smell of pine needles roasting in the heat of the day. To this day, it is one of my favorite scents.

The stars were amazing. At Wawona, when you look up at night, you can understand why we call our solar system the Milky Way.

One section of road, a switchback on that steep hill, didn’t have a single lamp, nothing to light the path after dark, and because of the trees, you couldn’t see very far ahead or behind. This part of the road had earned itself a bit of a reputation, because once, one of the camp staff had turned the corner on the road and seen two mountain lions slinking through the trees and off into the forest. After that happened, this part of the road became known as Cougar Alley, and no one wanted to walk it alone after dark.

That’s not the only reason why. I said it was on a steep terrain, so if you happened to step off the pavement, you could tumble down the side of the mountain and probably only stop if you hit a tree–not a place you wanted to be alone at night. But sometimes, it just happened!

Many times, I found myself either at the bottom of the hill when I needed to be at the top, or vice versa, and I had to walk through Cougar Alley alone at night without so much as a cellphone to give me light.

In these moments, I could barely see my hand in front of my face, and I could have stepped right off the pavement and tumbled down the hill through the trees if I wasn’t careful.

However, there was a trick to making it through that section without falling off the path.

You had to look up.

When you looked up, you would see a road of stars cutting through the trees that matched the paved road. The stars of the Milky Way were the brightest, and if you looked up and followed the path of the stars, you would stay safely on the road, without falling off the edge, until you turned the next corner and could see lights from the buildings on down the way.

As terrifying as it was, I always felt comfort and safety when I looked up.

This year, so far, has felt a lot like walking through Cougar Alley in the dead of night, not able to see through the thick trees, not knowing exactly where the edge of the path is, not being able to see what is ahead or around me.

I have struggled with a lot of emotions. So much has happened, one thing after another, to wake me up to the reality of a world out of control. There is sickness in our world that has filled many of us with fear and caused people to shut themselves away at home in order to protect themselves and others. Events in America have filled many of us with sadness and rage and caused people to pour into the streets in protest.

2020 has driven us to our knees, praying for wisdom and guidance, protection and justice.

It has been a hard year, and it’s not over yet. We have many different ways to handle the stress and uncertainty, the distraction, worry and anxiety.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we have this little thing we do. When the world is groaning and we are filled with sorrow, we look up.

It is easy at times like this, to want to head for the hills. Pack everything up, get off the grid, and hunker down until Jesus comes. We want to survive the last days, and we often react fearfully to what we think are signs of the end times.

As Adventists, we have a long history of looking up. We also have a long history of looking around us. This is not the time to give that up.

It’s time to roll up our sleeves, look for those who are hurting the most in these uncertain times, and jump into the middle of it all. This is the time to do exactly what Jesus did when He was on this earth: to work to bring healing to the sick, freedom to the captive, and hope to the hopeless.

We are all in this together.

–Chelsea Inglish is associate pastor of Madison Campus Church in Madison, Tennessee and daughter of RMC’s Susan and Doug Inglish.

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