Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

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“If you carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be
hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that
you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are
stronger than any challenge that comes your way. Let it be hope that you are
exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to
where you are meant to be. Because during these times, hope will be the very
thing that carries you through.” Nikki Banas

I woke up angry this morning. Angry that the coronavirus
continues to disrupt the lifestyle I want to live. Angry that the racial
tensions, violence, and hatred dominate our media. And to top it all off, angry
that my neighbor’s 40’ pine tree was uprooted during yesterday’s storms and now
lies in our backyard.

So, I sat down at this computer and tried to find some
inspiration. I searched for something positive. But the more I looked, the more
I was bombarded with headlines about racial tension, violence, destruction, and
hatred. That was, until I found this article about hope. An article that
reminded me to hold on, change my perspective, and accept that where I am at
right now, is exactly where God wants me to be.

Hope. Hope that the coronavirus has made us appreciate the
people we are able to stay close to. Hope that the racial tensions bring
awareness to those that need it. Hope that we can see another’s perspective,
understand ideas contrary to our own, and appreciate one another for who we
are. Hope that the violence and destruction we are currently experiencing
erases an old way of life and brings forth a blossoming future. And hope that a
morning full of anger allows my feelings to escape so my heart can be open to
what God wants to show me next.

My friends, 2020 has already been one wild ride. But as I read
the message Nikki states again, there is always hope. Hope that God will get us
through the toughest of times. Hope that God makes us stronger than any
challenge this world wants to throw our way. Hope that God teaches us to
forgive, encourage, and love one another. And hope that God’s plan for our
lives has us exactly where we are supposed to be. It is hope that will make us
stand up for justice. It is hope that will erase my anger. And it is hope that
will allow us to be God’s hands and feet in these unprecedented times!