Harry Lee Jackson Jr Prayer Line

SOUL CARE

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23

Newscasters are telling us. Social media influencers are telling us. Our doctors are telling us: Self-Care. Self-Care. Self-Care. But these days it seems as if self-care has been reduced to temporary, quick fixes. Perhaps a manicure, pedicure, massage, glass of wine, night with the crew will invoke happy feelings, but in and of themselves they are short lived. While spa visits and calm and relaxing moments are a sweet reprieve from the constant chatter of the world, in and of themselves they will not satisfy your soul’s need for care. This is why we must extend beyond self-care and embrace SOUL CARE.

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SEPARATE BUT TOGETHER

“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.  Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming! For ye are glory and joy.”  1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

While we always read Scripture from within a particular context and moment in history, there are times in which it seems almost impossible to not read our present reality into a past moment. For example, when we read Paul’s words about being separated from those he loves in person but not in heart, who in 2020 cannot relate to this sentiment? I imagine we have all seen heartwarming images during this pandemic of loved ones who are separated in body, but creatively showing their love and affection for one another in heart. I think of the daughters  looking in on their mother from outside the window of her nursing home, or the parade of cars driving past loved one’s homes on their birthdays or anniversaries. Even when we are forced apart, our hearts remain deeply connected with those we love.

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