Wednesday 10 August 2011

Riots in England


If you turned on the TV in the last few days one would easily mistake England for a war zone. Twitter and Facebook are abuzz with accounts of what is happening in cities like London, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool and many others. Most of us are completely flabbergasted that this is taking place in a 'first' world country and many others are anxiously waiting on news from family living in the UK. In my opinion, these acts of violence are senseless and criminal.

However, today I want to pass on a piece of good news that is coming from these places of chaos. It seems that many law-abiding citizens are now coming out of their states of shock and are working together to clean up the mess and to protect their churches, mosques and temples. One report showed how hundreds of people, armed with broomsticks, were moving into these areas and are forming an army of volunteers - all desperate to to keep their communities together and livable. Instead of fearing for their stores, some shop keepers were even handing out free coffee and doughnuts to these inspiring people.

In Biblical times, people like Nehemiah strongly believed that they could make a difference, despite the broken walls and hopeless. His heroic acts allowed the temple of Jerusalem to be restored to it's former glory. One person, one vision, one hope.

"The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept." - Nehemiah 1:3-4

Our prayers should go out to people around the world who are struggling with brokenness in their lives... England, Somalia, Sudan, The Middle East, Zimbabwe ... the list goes on!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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