1 Kings 17:8-16
Today's passage is one of those I've read many times and because of that I tend to not pay attention to little details or forget to try and put it into the context of where my life is now. The focus has always been on how the widow does what the prophet asks her and as a result of this she is rewarded with enough of what she needs for her and her son by God. The message has always been do what God asks you and you will be rewarded. Today, as I read this story anew I see a different truth.
The widow doesn't just do what God asks, she puts aside her self preservation to help another in his time of need. Today, in the States, we have an opportunity to do the same. As I'm sure you all know today is Election Day in the United States of America and it is today that we, as Americans, are asked to put aside our differences, to stop thinking about what's best for me as an individual, and to do what we can to ensure that all people who live in our Nation are given the equal chances of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I will never presume to tell one how to vote or what they should believe in. It's that thinking and the actions of those thoughts that have brought us to the place of division among ourselves as a people we live in today. It's time to simply do as the widow in today's passage did; put aside our personal self-preservation and reach out to help others.
Regardless of today's results we need to continue to live in this Nation. We'll only be able to do so in a peaceful way if we press the importance of living as one people united in one thought; unconditional acceptance of one another and justice for those who cannot do things for themselves.
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