Lord, I honestly don’t want to gain more insight into the culture. It’s messy and dangerous; and, as my grandmother used to say, ‘going to hell in a handbasket.’ But that’s the real issue isn’t it? You tasked me to tell others about you to keep them from that eventuality. Those others are out there in that messy culture of broken lives and crushed spirits, trying to self-medicate the pain. Help me learn how to relate, Father. Show me how to share your love to the least of these, among whom I once walked. Holy Spirit, teach me to listen to their stories and point them to Jesus. Only he can change their trajectory from downward spiral to upward flight, soaring like eagles from the pit to the pinnacle of grace. I give you all the glory and honor in the name and authority of Jesus, according to the good and perfect will of the Father. Amen.

“…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)