Almost Science

When I was a kid, my youth pastor had us do this activity where we went out into the woods and found something that symbolized our life and relationship with God. That activity has stayed with me. I found a branch covered in moss. 

***The following symbolism is not scientifically accurate. I know that, but it's what my teenage brain saw, and the idea behind it works, so just go with it.***

Everything Rides On Hope Now

How easy it is to forget that God has never left us and will never leave us. When we feel broken, over and over again, when those we love are broken, when life doesn't let up, when you don't feel as if you can be strong anymore ... it's easy to forget.

God doesn't leave, though. He hasn't, and He won't, and His promises are sure. He has promised that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.

He is with us, and He empowers us to be with each other. We hold each other. We laugh together. We cry together. Sometimes we are the strong ones, who help lift others up. Sometimes we are the weak and broken who need to be lifted.

We don't do it alone. He is with us. We are with each other.

What Could Happen if the Tide Where to Rise in the Albuquerque Desert

This past weekend millions of people around the world gathered together to march, to speak, to protest, to demand, to fight, to mourn, to remember, to look ahead, to hope. Children, teens, adults, celebrities, household names, anonymous and unknown individuals all gathered with a common goal, to do something, to change something, to say "enough is enough" and to state and ensure #neveragain. It was a huge movement, and to see the photos of the gatherings and marches around the world was impressive, and made you think that this very well be the start to something happening, to something changing. What is even more impressive is that this huge gathering of people around the world, estimated in the millions, with around 800,000 in Washington D.C. alone, represents, probably, less than 2% of the US population (official world-wide attendance numbers are not solid and vary greatly), that's it, but that very well may be enough, only time will tell. This 2% (0.25% if you just look at the main event in DC) was/is passionate, and devoted and determined to make a change and to do whatever they need to to see that what they believe in comes to fruition. It seems that the tide may be changing, that a tidal wave may be growing.

Here in Albuquerque there were around 10,000 individuals that participated in the local event. That also represents a little less than 2% of the Albuquerque population. What I see in this is that people believe they can make a difference. Even if they represent a massively small percentage of the group they are trying to change (because even if many more support you, silence doesn't enact change, action does, those who mobilize and act are the ones who have the potential to change things) they believe it's possible and are willing to fight to see that change.