Advent

      Some of you may remember that I did a Lenten Promise to write a blog post every day during Lent. Lent being a time of discipline and discipleship in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice leading up to the eventual rejoice that we are saved through Him.

      Essentially, I created this blog to remember Jesus' death. It only seemed right (and fun) to do something like that to remember the start of Jesus.

      I have always loved this time of year! The awesome music that I actually play all year long, the beautiful lights, the bright snow, awesome time with the fam and friends! What's not to like? Through these next few weeks of Advent, I will be exploring what Advent is, what it means to me, question some things, discover other things. It's sure to be a great time!

      Let's go ahead and begin! No time like the present!

Advent 101:

What is Advent?

"Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy" (according to this Celebrating Advent article).

Pretty much, the word comes from a Latin root that is defined by "coming," or "arriving." Obviously, it fits well with the season, since, you know, we're celebrating the birth (or coming) of Jesus Christ.

So, without further ado, let's start this 2014 Advent season!

Woo!
Mary Taylor

Ferguson

      Earlier this evening, it was announced that the police officer who shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, will not face charges (read article and more here).

      No matter your opinions on the issue, it cannot be denied that Ferguson is about to face huge amounts of turmoil. My friends who live near Ferguson cannot go home for the holiday(s) because their lives will be in danger the minute they step foot in a place they once called a safe haven: home. People are rioting in the streets. Police officers are doing everything they can do to keep the violence down, meanwhile a city goes up in smoke.

      As people of faith, people of spirituality, people of the human race, it is our duty to approach every situation, especially one with so much weight, with love and understanding. However hard that might be. I know this situation hits home for a lot of people in a lot of different ways, but fighting and rioting only adds to this great flame already happening.

      How can you help?

      To be totally honest, I have been asking the same thing to many of my mentors, fellow Christians, and fellow lovers of life. However, there are a few things you can do.

1) Pray.
      Not a praying person? You can send good energy, love, good vibes, thoughts to those in Ferguson and those being affected. Pray that a resolution is found. And may we remember the civil rights movement of the 1960s. What we have come to understand from it. That the peaceful leaders are the ones who inspire peaceful generations, and the hearts that break in the wake of violence.

2) VOTE!
      I know, seems weird. But as I scroll through Facebook and all of the many, many souls reaching out to Ferguson through the social media, I read one of my greatest instructors commenting on every status he says "Vote!" At first, I didn't get what that had to do with any of it. Until I read one of his rebuttals to an arguing commentator. He states that a vote can be a great act of love with some of the greatest power and weight we have as U.S. citizens.

3) Silent/Peaceful Potests
      This is slippery, especially for those in Ferguson, however taking part and being active with your voice against the rioting and violence and injustice in Ferguson can be hugely powerful. However, be very, very careful and do your research as to who is leading the protest. I say, once again, fighting violence with violence solves nothing. If you fight violence with violence, you become part of the issue. Be extremely careful and cautious. If you are easily angry, I'd say this may not be the thing for you.

      Know that I have no proper authority to give any of this advice, I only know the things that are going through my head right now as I try to figure this huge thing out. This will surely have the great potential to be a great stepping stone toward a more fair, respectful, just United States if we allow it to be.

Now, (again, not authority), I would like to end in a prayer.



Lord,
We come as confused, scared, angry people. I ask that you may shed your light and spread your arms over Ferguson. I pray that the Brown family remains safe as they continue to mourn the passing of Michael. I pray for the officer who made the decision to shoot and his family, for though we see his action as unjust, you taught us to love our enemies. I pray for all of our police men and women as they prepare for the coming tide. Further, I pray that your love and peace may find its way into all affected. I pray that a resolution quickly comes to surface. I do not know how to handle this, and I ask for clarity. I ask that all those traveling to and from Ferguson go in peace and safely. I pray for those celebrating their holidays alone or in fear because of the hysteria surrounding Ferguson at this time. Lastly, Lord, I want to thank you. For with your ever-growing love, we may find a resolution of peace with Ferguson. I pray for all other place in the world that suffer from this fear and confusion regularly. This insight is hugely important and I pray that we quickly see this through and help those other countries suffering through similar turmoil however we are able.

Amen.


Stay safe, love wholly, and continue in peace and understanding.

Love always,
Mary Taylor