US: We’re all a little afraid, God? Ok, some of us a lot afraid. Most of us are somewhere between freaking out and totally Zen, depending on the day, the hour, the moment. What are we supposed to do?
GOD: COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE.
US: You mean we’re not supposed to tell them not to be afraid?
GOD: COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE.
Don’t tell them not to be afraid. HELP them not to be afraid!
US: How should we do that?
GOD: You already are in so many ways, and I’m so grateful for that.
When you answer the phone and cry with a friend who has lost her job, YOU ARE.
When you drop a roll of paper towels off in mailbox for someone who is running short, YOU ARE.
When you hold your kids close who are now having nightmares, YOU ARE.
When you order a pizza from a restaurant who wonders if they are going to make it (and add a few dinners to go), YOU ARE.
When you pray for your coworker whose mom is in the hospital (and tell them that over and over and over), YOU ARE.
When you drop a note for your elderly neighbor, asking if they need anything, YOU ARE.
When you stick bears in your windows for kids to find on their walks, YOU ARE.
When you keep your distance if you’re out and about, yet greet people kindly, YOU ARE.
When you have a video conference call with your family to celebrate your son’s birthday, YOU ARE.
When you listen to your spouse’s rant about all the scary things that are going on inside her, YOU ARE.
When you collectively gather on the internet with your faith community and remind each other of God’s tender care, YOU ARE.
When you hold another's heart carefully and tenderly, allowing for all the feels, YOU ARE.
US: Really? That will HELP them? That will HELP me? Not to be so afraid?
GOD: Yes. Yes. COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE.