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We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ERV) Virginia Synod,


The last 100 days have been exhausting.
“Unprecedented” is the word that has been used most often. Meaning that something has been done that has never been done before. Our collective jaws have dropped, our hearts have ached, our heads have been spinning, our minds not understanding. We are having a tough time trying to make sense of the changes that have taken place in our nation. Cruelty, callousness, and heartlessness have taken the place of compassion and mercy and love. Global allies have become enemies and enemies have become allies. Groups and individuals that are already marginalized continue to be disenfranchised and their history and existence continue to be discounted and even erased. These actions are not distant for us. These changes affect us, our family, our friends, our co-workers, and others with whom we have relationships. Our strength in these challenging times is the hope that this experience does not and will not determine who we are or who we will become. The knowledge that as God meets our needs, we are equipped to meet the needs of others. We have Hope. The belief that better is coming. Our challenge is to persevere, to be there for each other, to persist in the good, and live out our belief in a God through Jesus Christ who loves all, who has compassion for all, who accepts all, and is Lord over all.
Peace,


Bishop Phyllis Milton
Bishop, Virginia Synod, ELCA