Another mass shooting. A family devastated by opioid addiction. A mother pleading for help after a natural disaster. The world’s climate and environment in crisis. The problems facing our nation and world can sometimes feel overwhelming. And yet, I’ve always believed that Christians— equipped with inner joy, optimism, and hope for the future—can do good, even when surrounded by troubles. In recent years, however, I’ve struggled to know how I can make a positive contribution, where I fit in with what God is doing in the world, and importantly, how to maintain optimism and hope. Perhaps you have wrestled with some of the same questions.
In the summer of 2019, I slipped quietly into the back of the Sunday morning chapel service at Glenn Memorial to pray and seek a sense of peace. I tried to sneak out unnoticed after the service before Pastors Mark and Susan had a chance to welcome me. The following weeks, however, something kept beckoning to me, drawing me back to the little chapel service. Like the Psalmist I wondered, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
My wife and I started attending The Gathering on Sunday evenings and other church events over the next few months. We were blessed by the teaching, amazing music from The Gathering band, and kindness from various church members. We and our visiting family members were deeply moved by Glenn Memorial’s Christmas Eve Service.
Over time, I noticed God refreshing my spirit and renewing my sense of hope. I began to discover the Glenn community as a place where I could grow in my walk with God and find nourishment and rest for my soul. It is a work in progress. There are still days when I become frustrated to know what to do about the problems on the evening news. And yet, I also hear Christ’s words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
As people of faith, we have an opportunity to share Christ’s message of peace with a world that is hurting. “(Love) continually incites us to do good,” John Wesley wrote, “in every possible kind, and in every possible degree to all men.” We can start with the “little” opportunities that God sets before us-- sharing an encouraging word with an overworked cashier, listening to a co-worker who is going through a difficult time, or showing compassion and hospitality to immigrants and strangers. Over the long-term, we might consider three positive habits that, as a former Rollins professor and Emory campus minister, I tried to model for and encourage in my students:
1. We can volunteer our time and talent by serving others a few hours each week. Volunteering can help us to put life’s challenges into perspective, and show our children and future generations the value that we place on serving others. Here are a few ideas: https://www.glennumc.org/volunteer-at-glenn
2. We can give regularly to humanitarian and social justice causes, to a local congregation’s community service efforts, or directly by helping friends, neighbors or family members who struggle financially. Choosing a percentage of our income to donate can help ensure that charitable contributions grow in proportion to the financial blessings we receive. For some charitable giving ideas, see: https://www.glennumc.org/alternative-giving-catalog and https://advance.umcor.org/
3. We can commit part of our career and life’s work to help those who are oppressed or in need. It is important to remember that career success is not measured merely by our job’s prestige, the number of degrees we have, or the amount that we earn, but on the impact that our lives have on others.
As Christ’s witnesses— we have an opportunity to demonstrate faith over despair, light over darkness, love over hate— to a world that is hurting and in need of hope. This is how God’s kingdom will overcome the daunting challenges and malevolent forces that face us. As Dr. Martin Luther King put it, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Scott Santibañez MD, DMin MPHTM
The Good Samaritan Institute
Regular Attendee, Glenn Memorial UMC