02-05-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 5, 2026
I have been reflecting on a quote from Nelson Mandela: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” How do I approach the day, the decisions that I make for myself, and the priorities for how my time will be spent in my ministry? Digging deeper, are there unspoken fears that are driving my sense of purpose? I would really like to think that this is a one-and-done sort of thing. All I must do is get past all my fears, and then all my choices will be crystal clear. Ha! Double ha!! I think of Jesus praying, right before he was arrested. There was genuine fear, even at the end of his life, and that fear was encroaching on his decision-making. Instead of running away, he remained steadfast in the singular purpose of self-giving love. However, I find it reassuring to know that even Jesus faced challenges late in his ministry. Perhaps Mandela’s quote doesn’t imply that we can somehow leave behind our fears. Instead, it suggests that we can develop the capacity to make choices from a place where we have honestly acknowledged those fears, yet we have consciously chosen to allow something other than fear to guide and empower our actions. If we are honest, it is not going to be easy. However, I do believe it is possible… with a little help from God.

Today is a new day, a day you provided. You are generous and merciful, Holy God, and I trust your tender and kind Spirit to gently guide me toward a life that is lived for both my hopes and yours. Amen.