Friday, December 21, 2018

Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalms 80: 7

I have read this verse many times and always wondered why our world is so violent and in such turmoil, and I think of man’s inhumanity against man; I have heard that talked about many times.

My doorbell rings and a friend is there. We sit outside and then four little guys come running up. They portray Spider-Man, Captain America and two other super heroes, smiling , laughing, and I see hope, God ‘s face shining and smiling through children. Later I have a visit from a family from Nepal who had been resettled by LCFS. I volunteered and became friends with the family: once again smiles and laughter, God smiling and I see more hope.

The church I attend is Prince Of Peace in Lawncrest, Philadelphia . Prince of Peace is very welcoming and as a congregation, we are friends with quite a few Muslim organizations. We have made new friends. We smile some more and yes God ‘s face is smiling and hasn’t turned from us . We pray for all children and remember we are all children of God no matter the age, shape of our eyes , skin color or language spoken. We pray “Hear us o God “ Your mercy is great.

Like the sun, thank you Lord God for shining on the whole world. Amen.

Helen Tobin has been active for many years at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the Lawncrest neighborhood of Philadelphia. She and her team welcome newcomers fleeing hardships of many kinds from around the world.

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