A crisis like the one we’re living through reminds us that we are all shepherds
–a
nd that we are all sheep.
Some of you may remember the YouTube sensation
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
.
What was (is) so appealing about Marcel, who is a tiny, helpless creature with a sweet little voice? Itty bitty Marcel struggles in a world of giants. She makes self-deprecating jokes about herself. “Guess what I wear as a hat?” A lentil. “Guess what I use as a beanbag chair?” A raisin. Something in us relates to Marcel and we want to protect her, just as we want to protect our loved ones, the sheep in our lives.
Sally Lloyd-Jones beautifully paraphrases the 23rd Psalm, an inspiring passage in times of crisis, in her book,
The Jesus Storybook Bible
:
Even when I walk through
the dark, scary, lonely places
I won’t be afraid
Because my Shepherd knows where I am.
He is here with me
He keeps me safe
He rescues me
He makes me strong
And brave.
As we make our way through the current situation, all of us are dealing with new challenges. Online learning for our children and working from home for parents means internet bandwidth stressed and nerves frayed. There are only so many board games to play and puzzles to complete. But this time of shelter at home also allows us to be shepherds.
Residents of St. Louis neighborhoods display teddy bears in windows for children to discover on “bear hunts” as they go on family walks. Families swap bags of books in lieu of going to the library. Children use chalk to decorate sidewalks with colorful and creative messages of hope and gratitude. God is at work around us all the time. Look for Him with your children and grandchildren as you take a hike, make a craft, or check on a neighbor.
As parents we try to be shepherds to our children and others who need our help. Still, as children of God, we are all lost sheep in need of our Shepherd. The CSMSG ministries are committed to prayer and support for all of our Church family. Please remember to let Christ Jesus protect and comfort you.
Now F
aith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
— Hebrews 11:1
Mary Beth and Amy
