Dear Friends,
This has been an extraordinary day in the history of American finance. I can’t begin to understand it all, but I know that many are worried about the future tonight. I think it’s all made even more distressing when we consider that so much of this current tumult is a result of greed and poor judgment on the part of people who have been entrusted with other people’s money and, therefore, with other people’s dreams. It can be very frightening when we feel betrayed by people and institutions that we trust. I imagine more that a few of us will go to bed tonight wondering what on earth is going to happen tomorrow. And the day the day after that. And the day after that….

And yet, even now – or perhaps especially now – I find so many comforting words from the Bible returning to me. The promise that God will never leave us or forsake us. The truth that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. The truth that His eye is on the sparrow and I know that He watches me and you. That the hairs on our heads are counted and that if even the lilies of the field are so beautifully clothed, how much more will our Father in heaven provide for us? And, even if it’s not from the Bible, the silly/serious words of encouragement that I heard so often from my own mother: “Hang in there, baby. What is to be, will be, even if it never comes to pass!” Which meant, I guess, that worrying about tomorrow isn’t really going to do us much good, because the worst we can imagine may not even happen.

But if you believe, as I do, that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, then tomorrow is already in His hands. And that gives me tremendous peace tonight and I pray it encourages you, as well.

And if you have a moment, take a look at a recent video about getting through these tough times. It’s called “The Recession Obsession.” Its message seems more important than ever. Please feel free to share it with anyone who needs a little encouragement right now.

Love to all,
Martha