News headlines hovered over a variety of billion-dollar transactions last week.
The Alabama Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey agreed in the recent Special Session on how to spend the $1.06 billion available to the state by the pandemic-induced American Rescue Plan.
It only took a few days to finalize how to designate the money. A group that spends much of its time debating — and many times arguing — worked together toward a common good for the state.
Around that same time, 11 of the nation’s largest banks came together to rescue First Republic Bank with a $30-billion infusion, which not only helped that bank’s customers but also the broader public by slowing the falling stock market.
I saw a demonstration of competitors looking out for the whole rather than clinching selfish gains.
In Arizona, the city of Glendale stood to rake in close to a billion dollars with Taylor Swift’s Eras tour launching March 17, the day after the No. 2 seed University of Arizona Wildcats had their NCAA Tournament journey squashed in the first round by the No. 15 Princeton Tigers 59–55.
Positive economic boost within the state, even as Arizona sports fans grieved the March Madness loss. And who doesn’t love a Cinderella story? We know the Princeton and Furman fans do, along with those from Florida Atlantic and the biggest underdog of them all — Fairleigh Dickinson, who upset No. 1 seeded Purdue before losing to Florida Atlantic University on March 19.
All of this was taking place while the U.S. military searched for its multiple million-dollar drone downed in the Black Sea near Crimea, reminding us of the billions of dollars needed to help Ukrainians continue to protect their borders and assist with the humanitarian crisis.
Another humanitarian crisis continues in Somalia with more than 8 million people needing aid. The crisis stems from a 30-year civil war, political instability and severe drought conditions.
It’s hard to find a silver lining within the humanitarian crises, but we can be hopeful in the work being done by people of faith to help. It also reminds us to pray.
Helpful reminders
In fact, we all need reminders from time to time that while we are tempted to spend time fretting over minor issues or trying to prove ourselves right about various topics, a large percentage of the world’s nearly 8 billion people are in true life-and-death situations right now.
Similar to how the financial experts keep saying “stay the course” — that remaining steady and trusting the system is the best course of action — we should also keep our focus on who and whose we are as Christians. We should trust the Lord and stay the course and prevent creating self-fulfilling prophecies through fear.
The March 17 Eternal Perspective section from The Pour Over (news e-newsletter) said, “Even if things only get worse God will still be God, and He will remain in control. Our eternity is secure, even in the midst of uncertainty on Earth.”
If Christians need this reminder from time to time, then how much more do unbelievers need to know about the hope and security found in Christ?
What are ways we can share that Hope each day? How can our churches become stronger beacons of light and stability amid the chaos swirling around us?
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