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We’re in this together: Messages to inspire Chicago Police Officers
Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis
With all that is going on, we are reminded of the circle of control, those things that we can control and those things that we can’t. We can focus on the things that we do have control over. We have control over how we act and react. We have control over what we say. We have a choice of speaking life-giving statements or statements that are not life-giving.
According to Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” We have the ability to speak positive state- ments. These statements have the strength to lift and encourage. They may not change the situation, but they will offer a positive outlook.
We are empowered because we have the ability to speak life. Speak life over your multiple dimensions of wellness (emotional, financial, social, spiritual, oc- cupational, physical, intellectual, environmental and emotional).
Remember John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Lastly, there may be days that are more challenging than others. The late Ma- halia Jackson sung a fitting song with these lyrics: “Lord don’t move the moun- tain, But give me strength to climb, Lord don’t move my stumbling block, But lead me all around.”
Be encouraged. This too shall pass. Be empowered. We are all in this together. Collectively, we’ll make it through to the other side of the mountain.
Chaplain Joseph Jackson
Real faith in the Word of God says that if God says it’s so, then it’s so.
If the Word says, “And with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5), then we are healed.
If the Word says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19), then He does it.
If the Word of God says, “The Lord is the strength of my life” (Psalms 27:1), then He is.
Simply put, real faith in God reinforces what the Word of God says.
We have what the Word of God says we have.
We are who the Word of God says we are.
Hebrews 4:14 says, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that has
passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast to our profession.” The Greek word “profession” translates to “a declaration of faith.” So, basically, God is telling us to hold fast to our faith.
Lastly, looking back at Abraham, the Word of God says, “He staggered not at the promises of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving God the glory.” (Romans 4:20)
Chaplain Hysni Selenica
This moment in our lives is one of uncertainty and even fear. Having faith that things will get better is something we try to remind ourselves during times of diffi- culty, even though it may seem like a hard thing to do.
What we need to remember is that there is two parts to having faith. One part has to do with being patient, while the other has to do with being thankful. We need to develop patience in order to accept the challenges given to us. We also need to be thankful for all the blessings God has given us. Showing thankfulness is not simply giving words of praise and thanks to God, but also extending the blessings we have to others.
The verse I find myself turning to from the noble teachings of the Holy Quran is:
And We will indeed test you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, life, and fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient — those who, when affliction befalls them, say, “Truly we are God’s, and unto Him we return.” Quran 2:155-156
Some of us will be (or have been) tested, with fear, hunger, loss of wealth and even the life of loved ones. But there is hope and good news “to the patient.”The best way to ride this out or weather the storm — or any challenges in life — is through the first part of having faith, and that is to be patient. Patience should not be seen as a passive act. Sometimes it can be the hardest thing to do.
Whatever faith you may follow (or not), prayer or meditation are powerful tools that can help us from feeling despair. Now that the world is trying to practice social distancing, we need to keep in mind that we are social beings. Prayer and meditation can keep us from feeling alone and keep us spiritually connected. Prayer and medita- tion can give us strength, courage and hope. It keeps us from despair and isolation. It leads us to acceptance of difficulty and becoming a bit more patient and a bit more thankful. In short, it leads us to faith.
May God open an easy path for us and help us to be patient. May He protect us and give us comfort and ease our worries. May He have compassion and mercy on us, and may we also have mercy and compassion with one another.
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