Lenten Reflection

Good morning people,
                We are living in the Age of Raplexiity.  Rapid and complex change.  I find it too easy to be swept up in the rushing, foaming currents of change.  Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I have a tendency to withdraw, isolate, bury myself in my rocking chair. How can I possibly get through this?  As Israelites would moan during their dark days, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” 
                The Lord responds to that deep, oft-unspoken fear: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the child of her womb?  Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.  Look, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”  Sisters and brothers, find hope in those words.  You are loved.  Your life is meaningful and precious.  Would you pray with me: “Our Father, we have entered in the holy place (of prayer) as you have invited us.  Be close to us. Open our hearts to understand your word.  Remove the darkness that surrounds us and give us your light. Amen.” 
Pastor Michael
 
*The scripture passage is Isaiah 49: 14-16.  The prayer is from a song of Africa, “Baba Wethu Singenile” sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.