Since March, I think we can all agree things have gone down the toilet. My baby, who was due at the end of April, decided to come prematurely in March, literally the day before everything shut down. I was pretty much beat down every day back then. The anxiety over the pandemic, my premature baby, no church community, no family or friends... It hit me hard. I'm sure we can all relate to the struggles.

In April, I decided to actually focus more on Jesus instead of Christianity. It sounds funny saying it that way, but I think it can be so easy to get caught up in Christianity and doing the right thing, or saying the right thing, etc. Especially during these tough times. So even as I was struggling with my newborn preemie and a toddler, I set aside time to read through and study the book of Matthew. I wanted to be closer to Jesus and not just Christianity. After about 6 months, I finally finished my study. I've been a Christian since I was a teenager (for about 10 years) but my mind is just blown at the teachings of Christ. He talked about the Kingdom of God more than anything else. He honored women when others put them to shame. He welcomed children when others despised them. He takes in the widows, the orphans, the prostitutes, tax collectors (the people everyone hated), etc. He lifts up those who are humble. Theirs is the Kingdom of God. Those who think they're good and strive to be good are missing the point. It's Jesus who saves. He didn't come to tell people to be good. He came to save us and bring us back to our Father. And it is impossible to do that on our own because we are covered in sin. But Jesus came, and though he never sinned, he suffered the consequences of sin. He even took the Father's wrath on himself for us. And he defeated death! So I guess all this to say, I highly recommend Jesus. Read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), and get to know Jesus. Take a step back from the burdens of religious dos and don'ts and really learn about what he actually said and did. He brings peace and comfort to our souls. One of my favorite passages from Matthew: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (11:28-30) ("yoke" means discipleship/teaching, by the way)

Peace and comfort be with you all today. ❤️