Pause – a special tribute to the memory of Charlie Kirk

There are times in our lives that we just need to pause.  Now, there is no time definition of a pause, like when we stop our activity or thoughts for one minute or even longer.  I, and my favorite contemplative brothers and sisters at our former church recognized our need to pause, if only once a month to let the Holy Spirit in. 

It was a time to block out the earthly world and sit with Jesus, allowing Him to run the show, if only for short time.  Although, even as one of the group leaders, I sometimes found it difficult to pause for any length of time. But just being able to be still was empowering and comforting at the same time, stopping all the earthly chatter.  Our small group also taught me a lot from the experiences they shared during our time together.  

Is Jesus asking you to pause right now?  It might not be as simple as just pausing because our day was chaotic and things didn’t go our way.  Jesus is asking you and me to pause in our thinking, our direction, our choices in this life.  In the very path of tragedy, pain, heartache what choices do we make to move forward in His love – choices that would better serve Him and not this world.  Maybe, looking back, I did receive some of those answers through a pause in my day, my week and even a pause in my life.  Did I consult Him as much as I should?  

God gives us the freedom to make our own choices, but wouldn’t we all be better off to pause and pray about what those choices may be.  How should we move forward in a particular situation?  I write this as I pause and consider what we as Christians do moving forward after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, a true servant of Jesus.  In the familiar WWJD, I pray that you will pause, not only in recognizing his martyrdom and his courage in speaking God’s words, but in contemplating on what you and I do to continue on the one and only true path in Charlie Kirk’s honor.  God bless you Charlie Kirk for opening so many eyes.

It is also important to pause at this time to honor all the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and pray for their families who have had to go forward without them. May we never forget and stand up for what we believe!

”Come to me, all who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:25-26