Where is God?

When I first moved to New York City some ten years ago, whenever I was feeling lost or alone, I would always go take a walk by the river. And as the gentle breeze would kiss my cheek, I would always envision that as a touch from God, giving me comfort and guidance that everything is going to be okay.

Fast forward to yesterday. Same river. Same girl, only slightly older, seeking guidance, only this time – the wind was gale force gusting the entire time. To the point that my hat flew off four different times.

This memory didn’t hit me until I was nearly home, feeling absolutely exhausted from battling the wind for an hour. And that’s when I realized: if God was giving me a kiss on the cheek when I felt lonely back then, what is He trying to communicate now, with His incessant hurricane gusts?

And that’s when I got to thinking about the current state of this world. For the past seven months now, it’s as though the entire world has been in a free fall. I mean, think about it. Starting with Australia’s wild fires; to the global pandemic; we’ve been prohibited to go to church; we’ve lost jobs, education opportunities and loved ones; and now a horrific hurricane season; wild fires ravaging California, and our country is politically tearing itself apart at the seams with riots, violence, and unrest.

Taking an inventory is a sobering exercise that makes me question: where is God?

Really. Where is He in all of this? Hasn’t He heard the cries of His children? Can’t He see our suffering? Are our prayers falling on deaf ears?

Later last night, a certain gentleman and I were driving through the streets of Manhattan. And all throughout the city, the NYPD had baracades up, and swaths of cop vans and patrol units stationed at various landmarks: The Met, Times Square, Trump Tower, etc – all in preparation for the outcry of protesters and potential rioters in response to the news from the tragic and heartbreaking Breonna Taylor case.

It felt like a scene out of the apocalypse. Deserted streets, except for flashing cop lights. Meanwhile, my Citizen crime app pinging, notifying us of large groups of protestors blocking the Manhattan Bridge, and overtaking Washington Square Park, and elsewhere.

I thought, is God withdrawing Himself from us?

His children are hurting, and where is He?

I got home and turned to the Bible. Because – not that I was feeling all end-times-y/Revelation now, or anything – but I was curious as to other times when God hid His face from His children.

And what I found shook me to my core. Jeremiah 11:14 states: “Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble.”

You see, Israel had fallen into rampant paganism, idolatry, and polytheism, and so as a result, God was allowing them to experience life with their false idols, and without Him. Zechariah 7:13 – “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear.”

Could it be that we are the modern day Israel? Has our society’s collective dismissal of God finally caught up with us?

We have created idols in our own time, and we’re seeing it play out to the n’th degree. Politics has become a religion for so many – to the point where we’re raising up Ruth Bader Ginsberg to deity-status. We’ve replaced religious morals and ideals with party platforms, and agendas that are a far cry from biblically influenced.

The effects of “pro-choice.”

We’ve made idols of our sexual identity and our gender expression, and worship material possessions, professional athletes and celebrities. We’ve replaced striving to be right with God, with virtue signaling to be right in the eyes of others.

Why is it more socially acceptable to recite the lyrics to “WAP,” than it is to pray in public, or say “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Could it be that God is allowing us to sleep in the bed we’ve made for ourselves?

Could it be that God is allowing His absence to be acutely felt – not just spiritually – but now, thanks to COVID, even physically – so that we may come to learn to actually appreciate it?

I’m asking, because I genuinely desire to know. It feels as though my prayers are a broken record, and each day brings with it a new set of issues and quandaries.

And I’d like to know what you think: what do you make of the current state of the world? Are we the modern day Israel?

Is God withdrawing? Are we needing repentance? Do people really even care, let alone notice?

To close, I want to just offer a prayer – a pleading for God’s presence to be felt. Perhaps, like the hurricane gusts of wind I felt yesterday at the river, God is screaming out to us, and yet we have been refusing to hear? And if that’s the case, I pray our ears be opened and our hearts made receptive to the not-so-subtle whisper of our Father.

I pray for peace in this nation. I pray for healing of the broken, hurting hearts, frustrated with current realities and injustices. And I pray for the leaders of this nation, that they would seek to unite the people of this great nation, and respect all life – from conception to natural death.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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366 thoughts on “Where is God?

  1. My heart cries out with yours. It takes courage to stand for God in our present day. You have shown a maturity in faith many don’t have. God is using you to speak to His people. I am glad you see Him.

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    1. thank you Niki, yes – big prayers in my heart tonight for our hurting nation and world. i appreciate your encouraging words. it truly means the world, and i am humbled by your generosity. Hugs and love xox

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  2. I think your analogy of world event, and events in the States is spot on, Caralyn. The hype about this judge who sadly passed recently, was very upsetting. and so on, too much to comment about. I pray that you will be safe, and that America will turn back to God.

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    1. Thank you so much John, I am humbled by your generous words. Yes – I agree. I will join you in that important prayer!! Hugs and love xox

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  3. Couldn’t agree more. God hasn’t left us. He doesn’t leave us. Humanity leaves God, not the other way around. I appreciate your thoughtful and prayerful reflection.

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  4. I am teaching a Sunday school class – socially distanced with masks on, so it is a bit difficult. But what we are studying is Hosea. The last verse of Hosea 5 says something along the lines of “In their misery they will seek God.” But if you read Revelation, as the tribulation gets worse, they curse God even more. We are not in the tribulation yet, but at what point do we stop listening to God? As for the world, we may need to be more friendly to our planet, but we cannot stop the downward spiral, scientifically, ecologically, but also spiritually. Yet, the Christian church is growing in China even with governmental persecution – and many in our government wish to copy their techniques since “they do not have the problems that we have.” Ha. There are strong believers in Africa, facing death each day as the Muslims seem to be hunting them for sport. I only point out China and Africa as places where faith is growing. Maybe we just need to be a bit more miserable. I wish misery on no one, but as times get hard, I spend more time on my knees. Sorry, I usually have a few jokes to tell. Maybe next time. But thank you for making me think – that is one thing in short supply these days, thinking.

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    1. thank you so much for sharing that. i will pray for your class. what a powerful POWERFUL verse. wow. you’re absolutely right – we need to turn back to He who created us! looking forward to those jokes 😉 Hugs and love xox

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  5. “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
    2 Chronicles 7:14 esv

    “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
    Luke 14:11 esv

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    1. that is such encouraging scripture. thank you for sharing! it sounds like we have some repenting to do! Hugs and love xox

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      1. This passage took on new meaning this moring during my prayer time. I am doing the 40 day fast as I pray for this country, our election, and revival. God’s people need to repent of pride before God hears us and heals our nation. We are idalizing ourselves as we serve ourselves and want to be served instead of having compassion for the plight of others and serving them in love.

        Joyce

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      2. Oh wow – what a beautiful thing to do to fast for our country!! Praying for you and with you!!

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    1. thank you so much Veronica! Yes, me too. But I trust in His goodness, and I know that He will always prevail. We may have a cross to carry though, that’s for sure. Hugs and love xox

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  6. God was shown the door by Adam & Eve when they accepted Satan’s argument over God’s words to them. In doing so, they handed Satan the “keys to the kingdom.” It’s been the devil’s playground since. People tend to ask the wrong question; why did God let X happen? He didn’t humanity did.

    As I started reading your article, I knew I was going to point you to Jeremiah, but you had already found it. Yes, God withdrew from Israel after about 490 years of disobedience and a multitude of warnings from His prophets. Many were taken to Babylon, a captivity that God said would last 70 years, one year for each 7-year cycle in which one year would be a sabbath for the land; no farming as the land rested.

    So you found the right passage to answer your question, but you didn’t read far enough. Jeremiah, Isaiah…all the OT prophets were what I call “Prophets of Babylon,” because they all warned of their impending doom, but they all finished with hope for redemption after the 70 years and eternally. God would punish but not abandon. There’s your comfort.

    Is America a modern-day Israel? I say yes after reading two books by Rabbi Jonathon Cahn, a Messianic Jew, a Christian. They are The Harbinger and The Mystery of the Shemitah. I did a 3-part series on them in 2018. The parallels between US history of the last several decades and 9/11 bear an eerie resemblance to Israel’s history leading up to their Babylonian Exile. Part one is at https://jeffreyhking.wordpress.com/2018/11/10/the-harbinger-overview-part-1/ Not nearly as long as both books!

    Here’s another comfort for you. Even during God’s withdrawal from Israel, he remained faithful to those who remained faithful to Him. I’m thinking primarily of the OT prophets, especially Daniel who was one of the mightiest prophets of God. God prospered him even as an exile in Babylon.

    God has not forgotten His faithful. He will always listen for repentance of every single person who turns and forgive. As a country, we’re deep in the weeds and there may be more suffering to be had, but we still have His promise of a victorious eternity!

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    1. Thank you so much Jeff for this awesome response. you’re right about that – the precedent was set from day one. Yes – i will definitely have to check out that series – it sounds fascinating. you’re right – there have been so many parallels. it is quite alarming. but you’re right – there is comfort to find in God’s goodness and faithfulness, that I can personally attest to!!! you’re right on the money with that one. as always, thank you for blessing me with this marvelous food for thought. have a beautiful weekend, and hugs to you and your girls. Hope Julie enjoyed a working from home week! 🙂

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      1. I’m glad you found this useful. Reading those books really changed my perspective on the Old Testament along with another great book, Agents of Babylon by Dr. David Jeremiah. It’s in interpretation of the Book of Daniel, especially his prophecies.! Have a great weekend too!

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      2. oh danggggg — the book of Daniel has always fascinated me. Agents of Babylon — adding that one too! thank you!!

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  7. Just as we attract those things that we put out there to show us wisdom personally, we also as a generation need to see and learn wisdom by attracting those things. It isn’t until we find a hole in our lives that we want to fill it. Realize our loss that we want to find meaning.
    There is much reaction simply because we have had enough of the hole’s and meaningless mouthing’s from those that affect us the most, and our mirrors are reflecting that back into the world…to react a little more.
    Just release those reactions, understand its wisdom and be that young lady by the river and feel the wind in your hair dear lady. Understand the fear you hold and it will set you free…from it all 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏼 🦋

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    1. Thanks so much Mark for sharing this powerful food for thought. you’re right about that — we need to find, recognize and desire to fill that hole. that’s for sure. amen to that – free from it all! isn’t that the truth! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  8. I do believe we are very much like Israel, and I believe God has decided we can have at it just as He did with Israel. There is so much confusion. People are placing blame on others for their own actions, searching for answers everywhere instead of finding answers in the One that has all the answers. Every time I see a press conference my hope is that someone in leadership will get on their knees and lead the country in prayer. What a platform they have to do such. God has been so patient with us because He loves us so very much. He desires that we come back to Him. He’s waiting. At the same time I believe He is still at work as He always, as He was in Biblical times. As Christians we need to take advantage of these horrific times to bring more people to Christ. Difficult times are when we should step up for God. It is what He wants from us. One of my favorite songs right now is ‘Waymaker’. I love the rendition by the soloist from The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. You can find the video on their Facebook page. Prayers for you. I know you are seeing so much more there in NYC than a lot of the rest of us. Take care and be safe.

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    1. Thank you MonteeLou for sharing your heart on this. You’re right – we need reconciliation and this is also a prime opportunity to grow the body of Christ! God is always alive! Hugs and love xox

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  9. understand, God has not turned away from us. God gives us infinite time to find our way back home.
    The negative energies are very powerful, they speak into the ears of many and many listen.
    God sends the Angels to watch over us, not to mitigate but rather to help us endure.

    Another is here to help us. The time is not now. However, the time grows near.
    Trust in the Father.
    Love always

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    1. That is so true Richard. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. You’re right / God sends us Helpers! Hugs and love xox

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  10. I believe that God is ever present. He made his promise in his word, “I will never leave you and I will never forsake you.” Since God is the same and he never changes. He can’t leave, rather we have left Him. Throughout the Bible you hear the cry of the Lord saying “return to me.” Joel and Hosea both speak of restoration after a returning to God. So God, has never left. He’s standing right where we left Him. We just have to go back to that place where we left Him.

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    1. Thank you Nikki for sharing your heart. Amen – He will never abandon or foresaw us. That’s such a powerful truth to remember. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  11. Everyone who doesn’t get what they want thinks god as abandoned them. That’s what the millions killed in the Holocaust thought. Now it could be that there is no god or we only think we know what god wants. Maybe we should stop telling god what to do and take it on ourselves to understand humans and what they are capable of.

    “O , what men dare do ! what men may do ! what men daily do , not knowing what they do ! “

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  12. Hiya! I truly appreciate that Christians are writing and talking about this time of God disciplining the world. It is a time for those who call themselves Christians to get into the Word, and to live by faith not sight. We can only help our friends and neighbors to turn to God, when they see Him in our lives. Not getting caught in materialism, or politics or deities. False gods and false humility will be shown for what they are. As for me and mine, I need to increase my reliance on Truth. God humbled Israel, and He will humble the world that denies Him.

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    1. Thanks so much Eric. You’re right – I think this is a powerful opportunity to draw on our faith to get through. Reliance on truth. Amen. Hugs and love xox

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    2. I have been thinking about that a lot lately Eric. My friend has been using the exact same phrase about getting into the Word. For myself I have been looking for the fruits of the spirit. The bible says we will know false prophets by their fruit. I look at Carolyn’s blog and I see all of us coming together. In an increasingly divided world this is one of the great places to come and share with people from so many different faiths and backgrounds.

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  13. God is just as close as He’s always been,it is man who has chosen to live their life away from Him. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,saith the Lord,thoughts of peace,and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me,and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me AND FIND ME, when ye shall search for me with your whole heart”(Jeremiah 29:11-13). God has a wrath that is to be poured out and with the tornadoes,hurricanes,fires,flooding ….we have never lived in a time where ALL this is happening at once! He is showing His hand over the earth and we must turn from the sin that so easily besets us and turn to the only hope found in Christ! He said I will never leave you nor forsake you and it is us who have left serving Him. God Bless You.
    Julia

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    1. Thanks Julia for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – He will never abandon us! Amen – we must turn back to Him! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Thank you for the raw honesty in your piece. Know that you and America are in the prayers of those of us who may be half a world away (like I am here in Southeast Asia – Singapore to be precise). We put our trust in Him who holds our future, so despite what appears now in the present, remain steadfast and stay the course “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Co 4:17-18)

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    1. Thanks friend for this encouraging response. You’re right – we must put our trust in Him and His goodness and those things eternal! Amen! Hugs and love xox

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  15. Thanks for sharing. Your words speak true to my heart. I think your post is going to help me remember to stop trying to do everything myself and pray more for help. It’s easy to drift away from the Lord just trying to put food on the table. Many thanks.

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    1. Thanks friend. I’m so glad this resonated with you. Amen – there is power in prayer and we definitely have a Helper when we are in need! Hugs and love xox

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    2. God is still here, years ago He gave you a kiss on the cheek now its a hurricane because the wirld is in grave danger.

      Ive recently been illegally used as a test subject for the covid vaccine in the UK. 1) it almost killed me, sores, parkinsonian muscle loss in my face, turned grey in colour but more serious was the spiritual effects. It was almost as if my connection with God was at risk. I thought nothing of this other than “it must just be me” till tonight when I heard other people who have had the vaccine have experienced a great loss on a spiritual level after being given the vaccine.

      At the moment I am reading Samuel 1 from the Old Testament Chapters 6 and 7. It talks about the power of God and the Ark of the Covenant. Reading your blog post tonight seems to relate 100% with what I’ve seen happening in UK and this part of the Bible.

      I have no doubt we are in the time of Revelation, the Great Revealing, I also suspect that the human race is evolving and devolving at the same time. Prehaps Covid19 is connected to the evolution of humanity and only those with the strongest connection to God will survive. I cant help thinking about Genesis and how God says that if Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge they will become like God.

      We need to keep praying, keep true to our faith in this tome of false prophets.

      To put this into context. In the book about evolution “Seven Daughters of Eve by the Oxford Professor Brian Sykes” states that the female DNA passed down via Mitochondria is a parasite or bacteria and the changes in DNA can only be negative or neutral. By this logic evolution is actually devolement of a species, which just does not make sense.

      I’ve seen the extreme weather in UK and I do feel that it is God warning us that we are at great risk. Years ago He gave you a loving kiss because you were lonely. Now just like any caring parent acting harshly to prevent their child running into a busy road, Gods touch is a bit rougher because the danger is greater.

      I will be sending prayers for you across the Atlantic tonight pleaee pray for me in my tent.

      Keep strong keep praying hold tight to yiur faith.

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      1. Thank you Billie. You’re so right – the world is in grave danger for sure. And oh my gosh I am so sorry to hear that you went through that!!! Oh my gosh that is just awful and my heart. Goes out to you!!!! Hang in there. Know that you are in my prayers. Hugs and love xox

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  16. This is such an honest question. If I may answer the question, “Where is God?”, the answer is He is still on His Throne and is still in complete control. However, He has given us free will and the ability to make our own choices. He will not force us to believe in Him or turn to Him.

    One verse comes to mind:

    2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) – if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

    While we may be powerless to change others and even the whole nation of this modern-day Israel, we have the power to change ourselves. We can only sigh and cry for the evils in our country. This should all help us pray more earnestly, “Thy Kingdom come.”

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    1. thank you so much Joshua. you’re so right – He is in complete control, i can put my faith in that, and I do! thanks for that powerful verse! this was really reassuring! Hugs and love xox

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  17. You hit the nail on the head. God is turning away from our nation as we have turned away from him. Yes, according to Johnathan Cahn, we are reliving exactly the same fate of ancient Israel to the letter when it fell. Read The Harbinger II and you will be stunned. 9-11 was the first shaking and what have we done in 19 years but openly mocked God and turned a blind eye to him. Saturday noon to 2 p.m. there will be a sacred assembly in Washington, DC a time of prayer and repentance. Google The Return. Pray where you are.
    I can only hope that others are as perceptive as you are. Only hope that your readers will take what you have written to heart.
    God bless you always. You are precious in God’s eyes and perhaps that is why he has allowed you to see so clearly.

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    1. thanks so much Sandman for such kind words 🙂 yes – we need to turn back to God!! and you’re right – we need to pray pray pray! Hugs and love xox

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  18. Sadly, we have kicked God out of our culture. God is a gentleman. He will not force Himself on us. He won’t make us. But we will be responsible.

    Keep praying. He is still listening. He loves you.
    Feeling your observations.

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    1. hi Paul, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! you’re absolutely right – He is still listening, and we definitely need to keep praying! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  19. My sweet friend and sister in Jesus, God is calling us to repentence and purity in the church and mostly calling us to draw close to Him and trust Him. Things are as He said they would be in the end times. We need to be close to Jesus so we are ready to be with Him into eternity. Hang on. God is in control and the enemy is in full swing because his time is short. Stay close to God and rest in His Truth. He has you. He lives you dearly. And as always, love you too. Hugs!XO😄❤

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    1. Hi Tonya, my dear friend! i am so moved by this beautiful comment, thank you so much for sharing your heart. you’re so right! He is calling us close to Him. and we need to embrace that, and respond to His call! amen to that – He has us in the palm of His hand! Hugs and love xox

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  20. Hi Caralyn! After reading your new blog post, all I can say is that this verse says it all… 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, ”If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”🙏

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    1. Hi friend! Thank you so much for sharing this powerful powerful verse. it is so comforting. and you’re absolutely right. He is never far, and is always calling us home. Humility is something we need for sure! praying with you! Hugs and love xox

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  21. So many good thoughts!!! As a Christian I stake my belief (that God is still with those of us in Christ) on His promise “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” My observation….I believe that as Americans, we are so accustomed (for the most part) to the luxury of ease, comfort, and freedom, that in times like these we may be tempted to think “Where are you God?” I know I personally have thought it plenty of times! And no doubt we DO need repentance. But I wonder if ultimately God wants us to remember his blessings on us are not amounted in our prosperity or comfort as a people or nation. I think God wants us to want him regardless of any of those things. To love the Giver over the gifts. To continue to stand for what is right, to speak of what is right (as you do!!) When the world is spitting on you and persecuting you and trying to force you to conform to their ways. I think of so many of the persecuted Christians in Asia and other areas of the world, willing to die for Jesus. And then I consider 1 Peter 1:6-9 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Thank you again for another thought provoking post. It really led me back to Jesus and His Word. 😄

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    1. thank you so much for this awesome comment. so much powerful food for thought here! you’re absolutely right – He will never abandon or forsake us! we can have total and complete faith in that. amen – i pray that we want to want Him!!! very encouraged by your words tonight, thank you. Hugs and love xox

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      1. I just appreciate your courage in writing SO MUCH! It is not easy to write openly and honestly, especially when you stand for truth. Big hugs to you and very much praying with you!!

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  22. Amen. You have good insight and wisdom. I do not believe that we have been abandoned; however, we are being tested. God gives us free will, true enough. He also charges us with the responsibility to our brothers. Just as you are “giving testimony” and challenging others in thought. We must continue to follow our believes, share our faith (as you are doing), and invite ours to join us. Some preach with words; others preach with actions. Part of my daily prayers is for Wisdom and insight to share peace and for others to learn peace. Then we can learn to live in peace.

    Mary, Queen of Peace, save us all, who have
    so much trust in you, from wars, hatred, and
    oppression. Make us learn to live in peace,
    and educate ourselves for peace, do what is
    demanded by justice and respect the rights
    of every person, so that peace may be firmly
    established. Amen.

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    1. thank you so much HJ! I’m so glad this hit home with you. you’re absolutely right – He will never abandon or forsake us, we can be confident of that. i pray that we turn back to the Father, and invite Him back into our culture. Probably wishful thinking, but there is power in prayer!!!! amen – praying with you. Hugs and love xox

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  23. Great thought-provoking post. I think about the state of our country and world a lot. I think Romans 1 reveals the dreadful situation America is in. You are very right that the full-on “pro-choice” mentality has consequences; added to this is the open indulgence and applause of sin. Indeed, sad times we are living in.

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    1. Thank you Geno for sharing your thoughts on this. I will have to look up Romans 1! and I agree – i’m afraid we are seeing the consequences of our departure from Christian morality. Hugs and love xox

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  24. He lives in You! Stay strong in faith, keep praying, keep believing and continue to engage others in the conversation just like you do every week! May His peace overwhelm you with comfort.

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    1. thank you friend, for this wonderful encouragement. you’re so right! He does. that’s such a powerful reminder! Hugs and love xox

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  25. Caralyn, thank you for your excellent post and beautiful prayer. I feel and experience God’s presence and love everyday. He hasn’t left us. Yes there are bad things happening everywhere and it doesn’t seem like there’s an end. These are created by Satan and he might be winning right now but Christ will win in the end.
    I see beautiful works of God everywhere. Your post is one of them. There are so many people doing great things everyday. We don’t see them because the media and politicians refuse to talk about them. As Christians they don’t do it for accolades or publicity. Please keep looking for the wonderful works of God everyday. Stay safe.

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    1. thank you so much for your kind words! i’m so glad you’ve experienced that every day!!!! that’s so awesome. and truthfully, I have too. I need to remember to count my blessings 🙂 You’re so right – He hasn’t left us. And gosh, thank you for saying that about my blog – that touches my heart so incredibly much. praying with you, and will keep my eyes glued, as they say! Hugs and love xox

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  26. Make no mistake, just as when it seemed God abandoned Israel because of their paganism and turning their backs on God, he is absolutely doing the same with America. If you read Romans 1:18-32 you see a clear picture of what America has been dong for the past few decades. America has been inviting God to leave this nation since the 1950s. Being a gentlman, He doesn’t stick around where He isn’t welcome. But have heart, this too will work to advance his plan. “Things aren’t falling apart, they are falling into place.” Jan Markell, Olive Tree Ministries. Also, watch this video. Great teaching by john MacArthur. https://youtu.be/Cz8AA_Oa0EU .. but hurry up. The Rapture is most likely the next huge event in God’s plan.
    Be blessed

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    1. thank you so much Dennis. I look forward to watching MacArthur’s video! thank you for the recco! and you’re right – it’s sad the path America has taken. i pray that we seek His face once more. Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you os much Karen for sharing your thoughts. I agree — God has never and will never abandon us! Hugs and love xox

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  27. Thank you for this, so timely. I think of the fact that there are so many people who do still serve God in this country, and I don’t believe he will abandon us. We are still his people. We do not have to be afraid. But we do have to pray. There are two prayer meetings in Washington DC this weekend. Everyone who honors God should join them, no matter their personal religious beliefs. As Christians and Jews, we all serve the same God. (BTW, I posted a link to this post on my FB page.)

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    1. Thank you so much Deborah for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree – He will never abandon His children. Oh that’s awesome what’s going on in Washington! I’ll definitely keep those meetings in my prayers – and join at a distance!!! how amazing. God is alive! And thank you for passing this along! it really means a lot! Hugs and love xox

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  28. The times we are in are definitely turbulent. There have been other turbulent times such as WW 2. Each generation seems to have its moment where those who believe in Jesus say- For Such A Time As This. God has a plan for you, me and all who follow Jesus to share his love in the midst of the turbulence.

    By the way what were you doing driving around in the evening? Not a safe thing in NYC from what I have read. Be safe my friend 🙂

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    1. Hi friend, thank you for sharing your thoughts. turbulent for sure. you’re so right – He has a plan, and we can put our faith in His goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and love. And that’s such a comforting thought! Oh – we were driving home from dinner and made a detour to stop at the Krispy Kreme shop in Times Square! haha He’s a big, strong guy, and we were totally safe! thank you for stopping by! i hope you have an awesome night! Hugs and love xox

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  29. Hi Caralyn. Another exceptional presentation of what is happening in the world, in our parts of the world. We in Canada are in complete turmoil, with the pandemic, and all that goes with it. Our government leaders acting in unethical ways. Our Prime Minister has said Christians are the worst people in the land, and will be the downfall of the country.

    For the past number of months, I have been praying for revival, revival within me that will then spread through every place I go, (which isn’t far right now with the pandemic, and my health restrictions). But I attempt to write Of Christ, and share His Word on line, through various venues, and pray for others as often as possible.

    Anyway, sorry for the sidetrack. Our country is in desperate need of change, change that will only come through Holy Spirit conviction upon people, and drawing many to Jesus.
    As well as self revival, prayer is for repentance, restoration, leadership in government at all levels. Also for many church fellowships that have changed over the years, to get back to Bible believing, Bible teaching, as God’s Word is still Truth.

    Jesus is still The Life Changer, Saviour, Lord, King, Baptizer, Sanctifier, Healer, Restorer, He has always been. We need to invite Him, and allow Him, to work within us, and through us.

    I thank Jesus for you, Caralyn, your obedience and willingness to serve Him wherever, however He leads you.

    God’s Continuing Blessings, Protection, Safety,
    Luv and hugs,
    😀❤️🌹😍

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    1. Hi George, thank you so much for sharing your heart, and for such kind words. I’m so sorry to hear what is going on in Canada right now!! i had no idea! i will definitely join you in that prayer for our nations and our world! And you’re absolutely right – we need the Holy Spirit! And amen – Jesus is the Life Changer – i pray that we invite Him back into our culture and our countries. And gosh, there is power in prayer! grateful for you, my friend. keeping you and your health in my prayers! Hugs and love xox

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  30. I think you’re on to something. We do need Christians who have lived very selfish, God is my distant cousin lifestyles, to repent and start living as true disciples, with Jesus as Lord. We’ve straddled the fence with culture too long and the consequences are revved up! The Christian life is more than a prayer & a hope for heaven. It’s a path of character, paying attention to Gods Word, loving the unlovely but caring enough to share the good news of Christ.

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    1. thank you so much Rick – you’re right – we need to return to Him! And i pray that we do! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  31. Epitaph – By Merrit Malloy
    When I die
    Give what’s left of me away
    To children
    And old men that wait to die.
    And if you need to cry,
    Cry for your brother
    Walking the street beside you.
    And when you need me,
    Put your arms
    Around anyone
    And give them
    What you need to give to me.
    I want to leave you something,
    Something better
    Than words
    Or sounds.
    Look for me
    In the people I’ve known
    Or loved,
    And if you cannot give me away,
    At least let me live on in your eyes
    And not your mind.
    You can love me most
    By letting
    Hands touch hands,
    By letting bodies touch bodies,
    And by letting go
    Of children
    That need to be free.
    Love doesn’t die,
    People do.
    So, when all that’s left of me
    Is love,
    Give me away.

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    1. oh wow this is so incredibly powerful. thank you so much for sharing this poem. wow. Love, is the greatest of all things! Hugs and love xox

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  32. As one of your Pagan friends I can say that from the many chats I have had with my christians friends and the many books Ive read over the years I suspect its something like this. God gives his creations the means by which they need to survive and how to conduct themselves. An account is kept and those who act against the will of god, which is established from the narratives he has provided through prose and prophet, are judged accordingly.

    As a Pagan, I look at the nature of things. What I see in the animal kingdom is animals act irrationally when they are slaves to fear. Fear is what is driving the narrative, but in the history of our world, this is one of the safest times to be alive. Fear enables hate, and hate enables acts of brutality.

    If God is watching, Im sure he isnt pleased. You take care of yourself.

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    1. thank you Karac for sharing your thoughts on this! what interesting food for thought! fear is definitely a very powerful emotion, and a tool for manipulation, that is for sure! and yes – we need to eradicate hate! that is a top priority. Hugs and love xox

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  33. Keep reading your Bible. The last chapter tells about a happy ending. If you are a follower of prophecy what is happening exactly fits events foretold leading up the the end times. You will recall the passage referring to these days as a time of trouble the world has never seen before. Naturally your question is relevant, where is God in what we see today? There is a long answer but I’ll make it short. Lucifer went rogue in heaven and was cast out. Lucifer said God didn’t understand the feelings and aspirations of angels and other created intelligences and he had a better form of government that enhanced personal freedom. He told Eve the same thing. After he resisted God’s reasoning with him finally God had to throw him out of heaven but didn’t destroy him then as only God knew where lucifer’s sin would lead and He could have been misunderstood and questioned as a God of love and intelligences serve Him out of fear rather than choice. God only wants His creation to accept Him by choice not fear. So God’s way had to be accepted as best when intelligences were able to contrast the results of sin as opposed to God’s way to happiness through heavens rules. I know from your blogs you are convinced who has the best form of governance God rather than satan. Sin has affected the earth, the animals, the sea and humans and even scientists who don’t believe in God tell us this world is in self-destruct mode. So Lucifer’s way obviously doesn’t provide happiness. We do not know the exact time when Jesus will appear in the clouds of heaven to take those who want to be in His safe environment. We do know from the Bible satan will try and fake that event by appearing as a dazzling being in different parts of the world. Hindus, Moslems and Christians are looking for some heavenly personage to come and rescue this world through their respective writings so many will be fooled by those appearances. But satan will not be permitted to imitate the way Jesus returns coming from the sky. The fake will just appear as an angel of light but only those who have carefully studied the Bible will be able to detect this fake by the manner of his appearances on earth. Many will be deceived. As soon as every created being understands God’s way is in their best interests and make their choice this will empower God to wipe out satan, his angels and humans who prefer to live under satan’s world conditions. The end of Revelation describes a recreated earth populated by those who love God and are themselves restored to perfection. Read your Bible with that assurance and know our present world condition is a warning God is going to intervene soon before we totally destroy the earth and ourselves under the prompting of satan.

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    1. Thank you so much Ian for this powerful response. you really said something powerful: God wants us to accept Him by choice, not fear. BINGO! that is exactly right, and why we were given free will. Becuase what is love if it is forced? praying with you! Hugs and love xox

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  34. Hi Caralyn! Excellent! Everything you said is right on the mark. God has been trying to get our attention for many years, each year getting louder and louder. It’s like C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains.” And we have refused to listen. Now we’re at the brink. We either repent and return to Him or He will allow our nation to destroy itself.

    I was encouraged when President Trump called for national prayer when the Covid-19 deal hit. I thought perhaps it would wake some folks up, and hopefully God would answer in a mighty way. Unfortunately, I watched as government closed businesses and churches, but allowed abortion mills to continue murdering the innocent unborn. We can’t continue in our sin and expect God to have mercy on us, much less bless us.

    The one thing I have seen come out of all of this mess this year is that God is showing us we cannot trust in anything or anyone but Him. From politicians to celebrities to athletes to medical professionals to our justice system to even many of our religions leaders, all have shown they do not have the answers, they have no problem lying to suit their own desires, and they certainly cannot be trusted. God is the only place we can put our trust, and He’s the only one who can heal our land. And He promises He will, if we repent and return.

    Much could be said about this, but I’ll stop with a bit of hope. This coming Saturday in Washington, D. C., there will be many people gathered to not only pray for God’s mercy for our nation, but also to repent and ask for His forgiveness. It’s called The Return, and you can find out about it at thereturn.org. Different speakers and different times of repentance and prayer all throughout the day. And at Noon, Franklin Graham will be leading a prayer walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol. You can watch it livestreamed if you’re not able to attend in person. I’m planning on praying and watching myself, and I encourage others to do the same.

    Sorry for the length, but like I said, your insight on this was spot on. And I join you in your prayer. May God forgive us for turning from Him and murdering His innocent, and may He heal our land. Keep hoping in Him! 😊

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    1. Hi Kennth, thank you so much for sharing your heart, and for these hopeful words! I’ve never heard that saying about Jesus shouting in our pain, but gosh that really resonated with me. Amen – this has been such a powerful exercise in trust, and demonstration in our need for Him. I pray that we come to that realization, and return to Him. I’ll absolutely be watching Prayer Meeting in Washington. what an incredible demonstration of faith! that is amazing! i’ll be praying with you! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Speaking of Jesus shouting in our pain, I had to smile when you wondered what God was trying to communicate with “His incessant hurricane gusts.” Reminded me of that scene in It’s A Wonderful Life when the angel Clarence told George “You’ve got your wish. You’ve never been born.” Then the wind gust blew the door open and snow everywhere and Clarence shouts out the door, “You don’t have to make all that fuss about it.” 🤣🤣 Jesus has an awesome sense of humor! 😊

        FYI – the last time people were this concerned about our nation and had a repentance and prayer meeting on the DC mall, was back in 1980, just a few weeks before that presidential election. They asked God’s forgiveness and for His mercy to turn the country around, and a few weeks later Ronald Reagan won the election in a land slide. I know God can and will use anyone for His glory, but it just proves that it all depends on Him. Have a wonderful weekend! Praying with you Saturday! 😊🙏🙌

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      2. Oh, I forgot to mention. When you wonder what God’s trying to tell you, ask Him. I know that’s a – well duh! – 🤣 statement, but He’s been telling me lately that I have a bad habit of stating my need, but not actually asking. He wants us to trust and depend on Him enough to truly and specifically ask. And when we ask, we’ve started a conversation where He can respond and answer. So, when you wonder, just say Father, I sense You’re trying to tell me something, but I don’t understand. Please open my eyes and help me see. 🤗💛🌻

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      3. Wow I love that so much Kenneth – yes – He will open our eyes and ears to His word! Also! I’m just now seeing my typo in your name on my original response!! Oh my gosh I am so sorry!! Clearly my fingers were going faster than I could keep up!!

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      4. Hahaha! Oh my goodness, think nothing of it. I promise, it barely registered. 🤣
        Been watching The Return prayer gathering in DC. It is Awesome!! I hope you get a chance to see some of it and join in. 🙏🌻

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      5. That’s such an amazing thing that happened yesterday! Unfortunately I was hiking all day without service but I was praying along in God’s beauty! Hugs and love xox

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  35. • I think – as Christians – when we know we have done something wrong – that something wrong has happened – there has to be a recognition.

    • This recognition is the offering. It is the heifer.

    We are in the thick of a series of injustices – and the biggest Injustice is that everytime – it seems – it’s their fault.

    There’s nothing wrong – except them.

    Everytime.

    And then we say God will judge us because of the gays in our midst.

    As Christans we have to try and make amends where Injustice is present.

    Sometimes just recognising that it is there is all the offering required.

    Instead, we go to Church and call them – the ones suffering the Injustice – wrong.

    There is something wrong – but we are looking at it in the wrong places.

    If you take the long view – the God view – and think about God’s Justice on Nations – it’s clearer.

    You are right about idols – money.

    But it is corruption – the refusal to offer health Universally – the reticence to hear when others say the systems are failing them – who we blame poverty on – who’s interests we are protecting.

    Something has changed fundamentally – you are right.

    But it may not be what it seems.

    When did our interests supercede God’s?

    Is we were to take an honest think – about Jesus addressing us from the Capitol Building, live – what would we hear?

    It would not be the sin of homosexuals. Or women leading Church.

    We have become selfish. And greedy. And deaf. And then self righteous.

    So much so, that we’ve made the very ones suffering wrong – and are sure we are right.

    Sure of it.

    They don’t work hard enough.

    We have become blind to ourselves.

    You should see what it looks like from a little distance away.

    The Bible says a lot about Justice – both Old and New – who’s it is and when it’s applied.

    Sin comes for is all in the end – individually – between God and the person – when the world is brought to an end – and it will be – but God’s Justice on Earth comes to Nations who forget how to treat God’s children – and what a Holy God looks like.

    Injustice.

    We are not looking properly.

    And they are there ones who are wrong.

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  36. I remember feeling the same when I was left feeling like I was alone and battling on all fronts. Then I Iistened to a great sermon which suggested God’s back may feel like it is towards us sometimes when he is walking ahead of us to flight our battles. I think idol worship is a bit of a theme. I think we all need to look at the idols in our lives.

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  37. YES, I believe God is calling us out for our transgressions as a nation. But, he doesn’t shout. His whisper is in the fires, the hurricanes, the unrest, the misguided looters and unmasked protesters. Through these and them He whispers, “See where your path is taking you? Turn from your greed and selfishness, turn from your ‘Me First’ attitudes. Return to the Beatitudes. Follow Me! Until we do, we will continue down the path of destruction we’re on … Heaven help us!!

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    1. thank you Jan! yes! i think you’re right about that – His whisper is in the fires and the unrest. Praying with you!!! Hugs and love xox

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  38. Wow! An excellent post, Caralyn, and a primary question that has likely crossed every Christian’s mind at one time or another in recent months. It would not be out of character for God to withdraw His hand from our nation, a nation that has said in effect, “We know better than you God on how to define marriage and we know life begins not at conception, but at birth. We know better than you O Lord when it comes to self-governing and do not require or want your laws in our courts nor do we desire your teachings in our schools. If fact, if you push us too far, we will remove your places of worship across our land as well.” Who could blame God for withdrawing His hand from such a people as this, one nation that, in many ways, no longer views itself as one nation under God; instead, it considers itself to be one equal to or above God. All of this could be a telltale sign of why the west, specifically the United States, is not a significant player in end-time events. Blessings to you, my sister, and thank you for such an engaging, thought-provoking post!

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    1. Hi Darryl, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – We need His guidance now more than ever. Joining you in prayer!!!! Come, Holy Spirit! Hugs and love xox

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  39. Such a great post. Our troubles are many as you stated and I myself said quite some time ago that God was tired of the things He was seeing in us. We are so far from each other in love, hope and togetherness and instead of what’s happening around us making it better, it’s tearing us farther apart. I feel we are lost as a nation, communities and just being people. God wants us to turn to Him but instead we’re turning on each other about everything. I feel we have turned back 50 years in some areas and it shouldn’t be that way. We need God to heal but before that can happen, He needs to come first, not man. Any man.

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    1. Thank you so much!! you’re right – we are all SO far from each other in love. it is so heartbreaking how politics has torn this country, family, friends, apart. We really are lost. Come, Holy Spirit, and heal this nation! i pray that we turn to Him and seek the Father’s face! Hugs and love xox

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  40. Thank you for sharing your heart. Although, I am not from the same country as you, but usually the root of issue of most problems are due to the lack of emotional intelligence in leaders. Hunger for power, to he politically correct would eventually contribute to long term damage. I will pray alongside you for your nation.

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    1. Thank you so much Abel for sharing your thoughts on this. our country definitely needs unity during this time! thank you for your prayrs! Hugs and love xox

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  41. Thank you for sharing this Caralyn! With all the chaos, deaths, social injustices, and uncertainty I myself also questioned where was God. But despite everything, I saw his spirit in fellow strangers helping out the elderly when they could not go to the stores to get necessary items or communities banding together trying to prep food boxes for those financially hit by this pandemic. The little things that I saw in people trying to help others out made me smile a bit and made me realize that God was here with us.

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    1. thank you so much for your encouraging words. that is so beautiful that you witness that. “look for the helpers” – as mr. rodgers used to say! yes He is! Hugs and love xox

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  42. If people are not allowed to say nice things about Ruth Bader Ginsberg now when she has just died, when are they? Carolyn in one of my recent posts I referred to the funeral of John McCain. Many of his political foes including Joe Biden and Barack Obama were there and graciously celebrated his life. As we are reminded every time people needlessly lose their lives to guns, now is not the time, people need to be given the time to grieve.

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    1. Thank you for voicing your concern. I just want to reiterate that I was not saying that we are not allowed to say nice things about RBG. Quite the contrary. I think it is wonderful to honor her memory and celebrate her life. I meant only to point out the degree to which people are doing so.

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      1. It is a natural stage of grief. There must be so much grief in America right now with the death of 200 000 people, perhaps there is all manner of grief being expressed right now. I still cannot get my head around it. According to NBC one in every 351 New Yorkers has died. Everybody in New York must have been touched by this.

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      2. you’re right – there is a lot of grief for sure. we need healing. and yes – NYC has been hit especially hard. Hugs and love xox

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