Breaking the Cycle of Shadows (07/01/'24) -Message

Breaking the Cycle of Shadows Dear Beloved, In the relentless ebb and flow of time, human history appears to be ensnared in a perpetual cycle of returning darkness. Like the evil spirit cast out only to return with greater force, our collective past echoes with the ominous footsteps of a wicked generation. When the house of our soul is swept clean but left empty, it becomes a beacon for malevolence to find its way back, stronger and more insidious than before. As the shadows grow longer, so too does the grip of pride and power—the hallmarks of Nietzsche's master morality. This dark creed transcends the mediocrity of the common people, elevating strength and dominance while casting aside the virtues of kindness, empathy, humility, and sympathy. The spirit of our age seems to favor this brutal hierarchy, where the strong subjugate the weak, and the proud dismiss the meek. In the heart of this struggle, empathy and humility weep quietly, their voices drowned by the clamor of pride. Kindness whispers its gentle truths but is often silenced by the harsh realities of power. The master, in his cold reign, scorns the gentle heart, valuing strength and dismissing grace. It is a harsh embrace, one that leaves the soul barren and the spirit weary. Yet, within this cycle of darkness, a spark of hope remains. Every dawn that chases away the shadows carries the promise of a new beginning. It is in seeking the unseen path, in turning away from the harsh rule of pride, that we may find true strength. This strength does not reside in power over others but in the love and light that reside within. We are called to break the cycle, to mend the fractures of our collective soul. To seek beyond the pride and power that dominate, and find where true strength and love reside. In hearts that shine with humble light, we can end the night, breaking free from the cycle of shadows. Let us heed this higher call, to embrace a different path, where love and light can intervene. In the gentle heart, the quiet whisper of kindness, and the humble spirit, we find the way to break the cycle and usher in a new dawn. For it is in love and humility that true strength lies, a strength that can break the chains of darkness and lead us into the light. May we strive to live in this light, to break free from the cycles of shadows, and to embody the virtues that transcend pride and power. Let us embrace kindness, empathy, humility, and sympathy, knowing that in these, we find the true path to healing and hope. In Christ's Love, Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 1, 2024)