Shootings and protests, justice and righteousness

My dear one, 

I don't consider myself to be an activist of any sort, and I typically shy away from making political statements on social media. But I've been mulling over in my mind what I might be able to share regarding these horrendous shootings and protests against those who seek to protect us. In true INTJ fashion, I'm still wrestling with words, attempting to corral the swirling thoughts in my head and make some sense of them. Perhaps one day I'll have something witty to say. But for now, some of my thoughts for you to peek in on (for I see safety in confiding even confused ramblings to you)...

I'm proud to be an American, and I never cease to thrill at the sight of our flag. I'm thankful for those serving in our military. I respect the police and am grateful for their vigilance. I also exercise my right to carry self-defense weapons for protection of myself and my fellow-citizens. But I am first and foremost a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, and as such, I recognize that Christ is the only answer to the problems plaguing our world. Yes, we may grieve the ongoing issues of terrorism, abortion, racial prejudice, moral corruption, etc., but we must also admit that these are not new developments in our world. From the time of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, Adam's race (and no, there are not multiple races) has been hopelessly bound in sin -- sins of pride, sins of rebellion against God and the institutions He ordained. 

As the Westminster Confession of Faith so succinctly summarizes Christ's work for His people, "It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed, and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified." Christ is the Victor, and in Him I place my trust and rejoice in my union to Him. Adam is no longer my representative; the Second Adam has kept God's Law perfectly and advocates for me before the throne of God. I am now dressed in Christ's robes of righteousness. Injustice against and suffering by God's people will one day be abolished. Sin will be judged, and righteousness will be established. 

...So what can I do in these "last days"? I must love God and love my neighbor. In loving God I must reflect His holiness in my attitudes and actions. In loving my neighbor I must exercise selflessness, pursue his good, and share the gospel of Christ.

Let love be genuine. 
Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 
Love one another with brotherly affection. 
Outdo one another in showing honor. 
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 
Live in harmony with one another. 
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. 
Never be wise in your own sight. 
Repay no one evil for evil, 
but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, 
but leave it to the wrath of God, 
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; 
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; 
for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:9-21)

Gentle rhythms of summer

My dear one, 

Recent circumstances and conversations give me hope that although I have yet to meet you, good single men – you among them – are still out there somewhere. I still maintain my mental list of what kind of man you should be, but at the same time I have a growing feeling that you will be nothing like what I could envision. So how do I dare write to such an unknown gentleman? Am I better off ceasing to write in this space, choosing instead to focus all my energies on self-improvement and godly pursuits? Or dare I share more of my heart? 

The gentle rhythms of the summer season have done my heart good. My soul has been refreshed by time spent in the Word and in the books of godly men and women. My body has been invigorated through hiking adventures, strength training at the gym, and the nutrition of seasonal produce. 

I enjoyed a bit of time with my parents this past week. Because I live 600+ miles away from them, my visits are few. They live in a 600-sq-ft apartment, so it's definitely "cozy" when I'm staying with them! My grandparents, two doors down, are no longer in a position to offer me sleeping quarters, but Mom and Dad's living room has a reclining chair which was sufficient for a good night's sleep. I was definitely lazy during my time there, watching Wimbledon tennis with Mom, sharing mint chocolate chip ice cream with Dad...


I brought home some lovely fine china pieces that belonged to my great-grandmother, and while carefully washing them this afternoon, my mind wandered to think of the conversations that those delicate English teacups might have heard over the years. My great-grandmother was a very smart and accomplished lady who served as a dietician during WWI. It was during the war that she met and fell in love with the man who would become her husband. Though she came from a wealthy English family, she married that young American soldier for love, likely falling short of her parents' expectations for her. But they both loved the Lord first and foremost. That lady's son is my grandfather, now 90 years old. My grandfather showed me a note he keeps in his Bible, something his mother had written to him when he went off to serve in the Army during WWII. "My son, I do not worry about you. You know the Lord and He will go with you. Always love Him and look to Him in all you do. Your father and I love you very much."

And it is that godly heritage that I think about as I sip a cup of tea from her china teacup. The Lord knows my heart's desire is to have a daughter who will reflect God's faithfulness to her own generation and beyond.

What would we talk about if you were sitting with me now? I could share my growing interest in visiting Iceland someday. Wouldn't that make a picturesque honeymoon destination? You'd be sure to get an earful about firearms – my trips to the shooting range, my research on concealable semiautomatic handguns, my thoughts on the government's liberal agenda. We might compare our upbringings and discuss how we would hope to raise our own children. Would you trust me to educate our children and help me to do so? I might tell you about my burden for orphans and my enthusiasm over adoptions's portrayal of glorious gospel realities.

Wherever you are, my dear one, stay strong. I pray for you every day and I look for you in every smile. 

Always, 
Your Evenstar