Welcome to a new year. This is typically is a time filled with Hope, having just celebrated the birth of King Jesus – looking to the possibilities of a fresh start. You know who really hates when people have Hope? A hopeless enemy. In New Orleans we woke up to 2025 reminded that, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10a).
We are mourning and grasping for answers. Digesting unexpected and tragic news is so difficult. It can render us numb, anxious, or overwhelmed by heartbreak. We understand. Our hearts are breaking, too. When you are tempted to believe that the darkness is winning, remember: it has already lost!
“..the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining.” 1 John 2:8b NLT
These moments are gut wrenching. Sometimes all you can do in the moment is grieve. But what follows? Let it be love. Let’s come together to move forward from this unspeakable tragedy in prayer. Please pray with us for those directly affected by this incident, and for all of us – because when something like this happens, it does affect us all. It’s more evident than ever that our communities need healing.
There is so much that divides us, but that which can unite us is so much greater, and that’s the power of God. Please pray for His healing to be done in our country and in our streets. Pray for His peace to wash over us. And for His love to shine through us. Pray. Pray for our nation, our world. This serves as a heartbreaking reminder of our desperate need for Jesus.
We pray today we will love a little deeper, hold each other a little closer and look to our left and right for those who’ve fallen in despair because you never know how open arms can heal and encourage those who are hurting. Please pray that God would bring healing, comfort, peace and love like only He can. May he use us to shine His light so brightly that there can be no more darkness.
The Hope we have in Jesus is bigger than any disaster or act of terrorism. It doesn’t erase the pain or ease the burden of caring for a broken city – but as followers of Christ, it is our job to be light bringers.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today the city of New Orleans needs Light and Love. New Orleans needs Jesus. Let us be the Holy Hands and Feet that chase the darkness away.
We are so grateful to Pastor Joseph McDaniels of Woodland Church in Algiers for stopping by and offering some Bible-based words of encouragement during this time of grief and anger.