I have been blessed recently to be interviewed by the Stand Up for the Truth podcast with David Fiorazo. It was great to talk through why I started Mud Hen Mama, and how the LORD brought to my attention the need for something like this at this time. However, I am reminded frequently that many around me are not aware of the cultural moment we’re living in. It’s either ignorance or intentionally ignoring the insanity, hoping it will eventually all blow over.
Ignorance is bliss??
I honestly wish it were that simple. There is something to be said about that old adage, “Ignorance is bliss.” But not in this context. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Worse is intentionally ignoring the red flags popping up all around us, and assuming eventually it will all work out. Our country, and really our world, is way beyond that.
Ultimately, our world, our country, our neighborhood, and each and every one of us all need one thing, and one thing only – Christ. Without another Great Awakening, there is very little hope we can turn this ship around. But I also know that we all are here for such a time as this. I can’t help but think, we can’t just sit on the sidelines and let this ship just sink. We are all called to do something.
But what can we do?
And that’s the big question – what in the world do we do? Well, the first and most foundational thing we do is pray. I’m guilty of not being the best at this, but I know it’s by far the most effective.
The other thing we do is properly educate ourselves. Obviously, God’s Word should always take precedence and be the foundation we work from. Without knowing Who God is, I think facing the culture would not only be scary but confusing.
Fear
But armored with the Word of God, we must then understand the cultural context we are in. How can we respond to statements such as, for example, “My body, my choice” or Ibram Kendi’s definition of racism: “A collection of racist policies that lead to racial inequity that are substantiated by racist ideas.” Or how about the very simple question, “What is a woman?”
Fear can drive us to just hide in our homes and pray for the ever-increasing craziness to pass. Especially if, for example, our kids are homeschooled or go to a Christian School. The craziness shouldn’t affect us, right? Again, I wish it were that simple.
We are all a part of this world
Our kids, if not now, but in their future, will live and interact in the world around us. If they have no idea how to approach these and other issues, who will teach them? And if we don’t feel comfortable teaching them, who will? Ultimately, the education of our children is OUR responsibility. The LORD never intended for our children to be raised by a teacher or a village, but rather a family. Even if we don’t have children, there are always others around us who may not understand or know the Truth.
Can we save everyone around us? Nope. But our job is not the outcome, but the obedience we show to the LORD. We are called to be salt and light. Salt preserves and delays decay. Light illuminates the darkness. Salt and light are not capable of stopping decay, but it’s there to delay it and to expose it. Are we acting as salt and light in whatever area of influence or small world we may live in? Believe me, I ask myself this frequently.
He who the LORD calls…
It can be so, so hard. But whomsoever the LORD calls, He also equips. I am reminded of Moses. Slow of tongue and had little confidence. But the LORD enabled him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, their place of bondage. Esther, a young orphan who was fearful for very good reason, yet acted in obedience and saved her people. Naomi, a woman who returned to her home country with reluctance and full of hurt and disappointment. Yet the LORD provided for her in a beautiful way because of her willingness to return to her people.
I could go on, but I think my point has been made. In whatever context we find ourselves, we must obey the LORD. And how we do that may look different depending on where you are or your circumstances, but ultimately, again, we are to be salt and light. We do that in part by gaining understanding and learning from others.
Books
One great way to do that is through books. MHM certainly does not have a completely exhaustive list of important and good books to read. However, the books on the site are all about empowering families and Believers in general, to establish and build upon a Biblical Worldview. They are tools to help us figure out how we are to approach the world around us by establishing what is good and true and beautiful. Or as someone else I was speaking to last week put it, what is “pure, noble, and true.” Spot on!
So do you know what time it is? It’s time to educate ourselves and walk in obedience and Truth, as best we can.
For God’s glory and our good. Amen?
