A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

Dear Sunset Wood Family,                                                   April 6, 2020

Super Heroes

5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
    taking the form of a slave,
    being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8     he humbled himself
    and became obedient to the point of death—
    even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
    and gave him the name
    that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
    every knee should bend,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
    that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

To me, this is the epitome of being a super hero. Christ, alone, is our Super Hero. All of the above scripture, Christ did to show His love for His children, you and me. A definite description of a super hero if I have ever heard one. Then, I think of all of the current super heroes that we have, not only in our country, but in this entire world. Out of something horrible, rotten, terrible, no good, and very bad, comes something beautiful, full of grace, filled with warmth from the heart and food for the soul. So, maybe this inspirational message is more like a prayer than anything else.

Papa, I am grateful for the people who have stepped forward to give the best of themselves in the midst of tragedy and to be there for others. I recognize that these super heroes are tired, lonely, afraid, and angry, at the worst of times during this season of heart break. Yet, they have chosen, in the midst of their exhaustion, to persevere and help humanity even if it means forfeiting their own lives to do so. These super heroes have given their love, heart, kindness, and patience to help keep the rest of the people in our respective countries forging on as the new normal has kicked in. Many of them have found their way back to You, Lord. Many of them have become closer to You and because of this Your love in this world has formed a seed of faith that has been lacking. Maybe some have found a brand-new home with You, Friend, and are beginning to gain an understanding of what Your truth is all about. Yes, Abba Father, there is light with, in, and through You who are Sovereign. In You alone, we have and find our Faith. With You we have truth and love. With You, we have super heroes. Those so courageous, so dedicated, so altruistic, that we see You in them. Thank you for opening our hearts, our eyes, and our ears to hear what You are saying to each of us through the angels we call super heroes. They may not have super powers like flying, taking giant leaps with a single bound, or x-ray vision, none the less, they are extraordinary. These self-sacrificing people give till it hurts, serve until the last person who needs help has been helped, assist in getting what is needed until the need is no more, and yet they continue to march on. Thank you, Beautiful Giver, for allowing them the strength to carry out their work (Your work), the courage to aide wherever aide is needed, and the wisdom to fight this earthly battle with determination! We know, as Your children, the victory is all Yours, Lord. We are comforted that we can always bring our supplications to You, Loving Friend. We know that in Your time our prayers will be answered and for that we are incredibly honored and grateful. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray together, AMEN!