The Promise of New Life

I am part of the planning team for the online Canadian Biblical Storytellers Festival April 2021. As part of the advertising for this event, each team member has agreed to video themselves speaking a small portion of the Bible. I have chosen to tell two verses from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. For many years, these words have been a guide for my life choices, from the movies I watch, to how I deal with life events, to my acceptance of other people, and more. St. Paul says:

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is

honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever

is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any

excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things…and the God of peace will

be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Psychologists have proven that our patterns of thinking make a huge difference in how we live our lives. When others and/or ourselves constantly tell us we can’t, we don’t know how, we’re not lovable, we will fail, we eventually lose our self-esteem and these messages describe our lives. When our entertainment brings us a steady diet of violence, it gradually becomes easier to commit violent acts. But when we focus on what we can do, we have courage to try new things. When we accept the love of family and friends and pets, we become lovable, loving others.

For years our world has focused on violence, suspicion, and greed. In many ways these three govern our world today. What we need to remember is that we are not stuck with one track thinking. We have control of our thoughts even in the midst of Covid 19. As St. Paul advises, we can think about the good stories, the happy times, the beauty and wonder of God’s world, and of each and every human being in it. Think on these things and you will find peace and joy do exist, even in the midst of grief and fear. We truly do live in a wonderful world.