From an article originally posted October 23, 2012…
Last night while watching the newsfeed on my Facebook account, I grew very weary of the unkindness. In the midst of reading smears and slanders, a friend texted that he was praying for me. I admitted my heavy heart and seemingly loving people ranting in such an unkind manner.
Frankly, I do not have the heart or interest to enter many of these discussions. I rarely state my opinion as I believe this conversation alienates so many from the gospel. It is not as though I’m without conviction politically, it is that I think knowing Jesus is above those convictions. And the unkindness of the conversation grieves me from both sides.
In the midst of my struggle last night, our friend sent me a prayer that is attributed to St Francis.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
It was very good medicine for me last night. Thank you, friend!
