March 19

Beloved of Good Shepherd Church,

Grace to you and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!

The strangest paradox of my life is that I am endlessly hopeful because I am so well acquainted with powerlessness. This is the central paradox of Christianity. That is, our salvation rises from Jesus’ descent into powerlessness on the cross. It is from a place of sheer powerlessness that I was shown that the only way through the darkness is the path of love. I am hopeful because Jesus has shown us that we don’t have to figure out how to get power or be in control to have peace, be free, and immerse ourselves in love. Whenever I am confronted with my own powerlessness (which happens pretty frequently) and I rise from the sting of it, I remember that I can despair or go deeper. With God’s help I choose to plumb the depths where the benevolence of God’s love is sewn into all things. Then out of the ashes of my own powerlessness I re-discover the buoyancy of hope. My friendship with powerlessness leaves me endlessly hopeful. 

Good Shepherd Church is a place where hope lives and it’s okay not to know the answers or be in control. You help make it so. Thank you!

Remember this always - God loves you, and I love you too!

Love is all, 

Hendree+