Red Letter Christians, Wake Up

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 We human beings have always looked for ways to escape, distract or numb ourselves from the harsh realities of life. Maybe we run because we think that all that is there is despair. But running from the pain doesn’t help. The sadness ends up leaking out in anger, stress, physical illness, depression or dependency on some kind of escape or distraction. Brokenness and pain are not the end of the story. Jesus invites us into the reality that even in the middle of difficulty, if we have the courage to name and sit with our pain, we may experience solace.

Mark Scandrette is an author, activist, teacher and coach for leaders and teams who want to change the world from the inside out. He is one of the key creative shapers of the NINE BEATS Collective, an international project of artists and activists exploring – and seeking to practice – the beatitudes. Album & resources at 9beats.org.