Sometimes we need an escape from all the heaviness pressing down. The joy in a child’s laughter or the sweetness of a puppy’s excitement could bring the perfect relief.
You might also find a walk in the park or morning stroll down the beach uplifting, or maybe a drive in the country with your favorite person. Reading an entertaining book and even an afternoon nap could do the trick.
The options are countless if we slow down, take a breath and look for them.
Starting and ending our day with prayer and meditation on Scripture also plays an important part in keeping ourselves centered. And realizing what we can control while accepting what we can’t control helps release unnecessary negative stress we place on ourselves.
Taking the next step and working on the next thing in front of us keeps life manageable.
‘Do something, help someone’
It’s true we can’t help everyone and take care of every problem in the world; it’s also true each of us can do something and help someone.
Looking beyond our own circumstances to see the world around us might add fear and anxiety in some cases, but it also helps us maintain proper perspective.
Take some time this week to look for the precious gifts in your life.
Along with thanking the Lord for them, allow yourself the freedom to appreciate, enjoy and gain energy from those special blessings.
You might also find inspiration through the stories we share each week in The Alabama Baptist and on our various digital platforms — websites, social media and podcasts.
As you glance at the headlines, read the articles or listen to the audio stories, zero in on what’s being shared.
How are God’s people showing up? Do any ideas come to mind for you, your family or your church? What are ways you can pray for the situations being described? Like you, I’ve had the Ukrainian people on my heart a lot the past few weeks.
Rick Lance of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions shares more about the latest realities and ways to help here.
We’ve also worked to keep a continuous flow of stories relating how our brothers and sisters in Christ are standing strong and demonstrating His love boldly.
‘Not forgotten’
They need our prayers and to know they are not forgotten.
The communications team from the International Mission Board is a tremendous help as we pull together coverage day after day.
And opportunities to interview those who are serving in and around Ukraine or who have been in the area recently provide important insights.
During a presentation hosted by Bob Terry and Kevin Blackwell of Samford University on campus March 17, we learned about specific ministries taking place in Ukraine and nearby countries.
These are ministry efforts organized by Baptist churches in the areas, said Elijah Brown, general secretary and CEO of Baptist World Alliance.
“In the first six days of this war, 600 (of the 2,100) Baptist churches (in Ukraine) provided basic food and humanitarian relief, helping 45,000 people who had been displaced by war,” he said. “But they can’t do it alone.”
Brown asks Baptists to pray for the people of Ukraine. To write out prayers that will be shared with Baptist leaders on the ground in Ukraine, visit baptistworld.org/shareaprayer.
“It doesn’t matter if they can’t read English,” he said. “They’ll know that other Baptists are praying for them and their nation.”
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