I look about my country and I see so much Divide. I see people outraged. I see people filled with anger and hate. I see others full of self. Others broken and forsaken. But that's what I see with my eyes--
When I look with my heart I see all the same...people in pain, hurting, and lacking proper love.

As a Christian I am bothered by what I see. It penetrates me, heart and soul. The enormity of the responsibility to make an impactful difference in my neighborhood, community, city, state, nation is mind boggling to me. Is our heart truly broken for what breaks God's heart? Here are some action steps if you want to make a difference- in your own life and others-and you see what I see:

1. Search our hearts. ("O, Lord, you have searched me and known me." Psalm 139:1)

2.Create a clean heart in us oh Lord. For when our heart is saturated with the Love of God it is pure. By searching the Word of God we obtain the pathway to his heart-but it is Love that binds, heals, and delivers. ("Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10)

3. Pray. We must pray and be watchful. ("This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14)

4. Listen. We must be attentive and listen as the Spirit gives personal directives on we as individuals can be an Agent of Change.
("Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy." Psalm 1:32)

5. We must give people a hand.
We must help where and how God directs us. We cannot do everything and clearly there is a lot to be done, but we can do that something that God has specifically asked of each of us. ("In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16)
In our life our hand is attached to something. If it isn't it is useless. The hand is attached to an arm, some real muscle to push through with a person. The arm is attached and leads to The Body. The Body is the Chamber for the very Heart and Love of God. Once a person is lead by the hand, they can get to the heart and meet the Power of Unconditional Love and that is where the Miraculous begins to take part! A hand all by itself is helpful, but not impactful. Impactful change occurs when a person is saturated in healing Love. The anger and hatred subsides. Growth and healing occur. Forgiveness replaces resentment. A maturing of the soul that comes by intimacy with God. A person is set free from the roots of their pain and their life is changed.

We give a hand, but we must do it with heart. Just like parenting. As a parent I meet the needs of my children practically-food, clothes, etc.-but they need time, attention, accountability, long suffering, wisdom, guidance and lots and lots of love. They need our heart.

Love the Lord your God with all of your heart. Invite Him to come in like your heart were your home. He will sweep it clean, clear the clutter and messes, decorate the halls and walls, and He also will sit and enjoy you, just you, as He lovingly admires and enjoys spending time with you. He changes us each from the heart and this changes our perspectives to match His. His love is full, complete and so very sweet.
He is such a good, good Parent.

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:12