Before I get to part 2 of "White Horses and a cup of tea," here's another great sermon from Willow Creek (they're on a roll):
What If Love Meant More Than You Thought?
A sermon like this is especially needed in this "outrage culture" where people spend their days looking for things to be angry about, for people to lash out at. Ugh.
But there's a better way. It doesn't have to be like this. We don't have to let the news and social media lure us into an ever-increasing spiral of hopelessness and discouragement, antagonizing us into hating life and everyone around us.
If you've already spent enough time letting the online world break your heart and blood your boil, why not take a break and try something else, something relaxing and encouraging for a change?
Like reading the book of John in the Bible, followed by the rest of the New Testament. Or talking a walk and enjoying nature (start a collection of interesting things you find on your walks, or maybe take pictures of pretty or interesting things you see). Or start writing a list of all the things you're thankful for, all the good that's happened and that's all around you. Or read an enjoyable classic book, such as The Hobbit, Redwall, The Princess Bride, The Last Unicorn, The Neverending Story, the Narnia series, or The Wind in the Willows (so charming!).
What have you got to lose (besides anger, hopelessness, and a pathetic waste of time)?
It's up to you what you set your mind on and spend your time on. You don't have to immerse yourself in this outrage culture or allow the problems of world to live rent-free in your head, making you miserable. It's a choice. And it's up to you.
