The winds are changing. Shifting. And so are opinions – which is not new. Opinions. Attitudes. What is socially acceptable – and what is not. It all seems to change regularly. Perhaps it is living here in the backyard of our nation’s capital, but the “winds” never seem to calm. Opinions are regularly expressed, are always agitated and are meant to keep the winds stirred. This week is no exception. After becoming accustomed to weeks of quarantine, it is apparently time to change again. And everyone has an opinion about it: when, where, how, etc., etc.
What is a soul to do? This blog is in no way a political commentary. My desire is to encourage. Perhaps it is just me today that needs a bit of incentive to resist being overwhelmed. Maybe you do as well. Although blessed in many ways, these past weeks have not been without their challenges. Just as the weeks to come will too. Opinions will differ. There will be confusion as well as discord and plenty of disagreeing. But don’t quit. Don’t quit doing what is right. Staying focused on truth. Asking God for wisdom and direction. Don’t quit being a light. Don’t get cynical, apathetic, or argumentative (for the sake of arguing.)
Although this poem does not exactly fit the current (political or social) situation we face as a nation, it has been an encouragement to me in the past. I have no idea who the author is, but I’ve shared it before during times of grief and other hard seasons…and, well, the title fits:) Perhaps it will be a help today!
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low but the debts are high,
When you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver lining on the cloud of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit
It’s when things seem worst
That you must not quit!
That poem is beautiful! I’ve never read it before so thank you for sharing! It is perfect timing for it!
I’m glad you enjoyed it…and so glad you stopped by today!
I love the poem! I’ve heard it before a long time ago, but it’s very relevant right now so I appreciate the reminder!
I love this, and I love that poem. It’s perfectly fitting for these times we’re living in. I can only imagine how tumultuous it must seem when you’re so close to the capital. I’m not sure how I would do living so close and hearing it nonstop. And I’ve never “hidden” so many people on Facebook in all of my life. That little button has saved my sanity, though. Isn’t it wonderful to know that no matter who was, is, or will be in that illustrious oval office, that Jesus is King? I am so glad for that!
Jennifer, thanks for your thoughtful, truth-packed words.
You’re right, it does seem like many of us are getting more strident and vocal in our opinions, less flexible and grace-filled.
That’s what fear does.
Thanks for gathering us together with your calming words, friend.
Jennifer, I’ve never read that poem before. Thank you for sharing it. We do need to persevere, even when things are hard and painful. Thank you for being a place that shines light and offers encouragement to your readers!
Jeanne, Thanks so much for your kind words! They were a blessing to me today!!
Jennifer, love that poem! Thanks for sharing.
It reminds me of something I’ve often heard quoted in the church world, “Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle.”
In any event, we should never give up on the things that really matter – letting our light shine for Christ and living a life of love.
Great quote! We just never know when we might be on the brink of a miracle!! So glad you stopped by today!