This season has been like no other time we have ever experienced in the U.S. As a small voice being the owner of Peony Market, a wife, mother of three grown children and three awesome grandchildren, I want to express my humble thoughts regarding the trials that are unfolding before us.
We have had a long period of “normalcy” over the last few decades. God was moving then, and is moving now in the chaos. He is now allowing us to experience this season with its uncertainties, pain and suffering. God did not promise on this side of heaven that believers would not face trials. To the contrary, in the book of James, the brother of Jesus writes,
“Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let your steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
We have experienced various trials as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as boiling over racial unrest from unjust acts of government force. The virus has effected our communities, jobs, graduations, funerals, aging parents, children’s freedom, concerts, restaurants, church gathering, and many other areas of our daily lives. Additionally, we have experienced losses and the hurts from racism brought to light from certain acts of law enforcement. Don’t get me wrong here, I totally support the police and law enforcement. But I don’t support injustice and inhumane acts of violence. There are so many emotions coming from every corner; things can seem to be getting out of control. How are we going to hear if we let our emotions rule our hearts? Yes, our feelings need to be heard but we have to come together with humility. We have to ask our selves, “what is the goal?”
All I know as a follower of Christ is to remember God’s faithfulness over my life and to do the next right thing. I think the next right thing for the goal of peace with all men is to Love God and Love My Neighbor. Peony Market is founded on Isaiah 61 in the Bible. Isaiah 61:1 proclaims:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison tho those who are bound.”
What does this mean?
It means to care for our neighbor of all colors who might be brokenhearted over life, injustice or any other concern, and just listen. This is an opportunity for change, one person at a time. Pray for change and to hear other’s hearts. Let’s come together and embrace this powerful time, and use it as an opportunity to be God’s hand and heart.
Bearing gifts is a great way to tell your neighbor “I Love You.” Peony Market has beautiful gifts to give your neighbor this summer! Bake a pie or another delicious dish with one of our cookbooks, Just Peachy or ? , Well Dressed Salads. We have candles, journals, jewelry, cookbooks and many other other gifts to bring your neighbor. Give a gift to someone who does not look like you, think like you or maybe even acts like you, but who is, every bit as you, made in the image of God. Start a conversation by giving a gift, listening, and making a friend. Then, and maybe only then, we will earn the right to be heard.
God has been faithful to us: let’s be faithful servants to our neighbors and hear their hearts. Loving others with a beautiful gift from Peony Market is a start to hear and honor those God cherishes, and who we need to know and love as a cherished friend.
Love God, love our neighbor,
Sharon