We are navigating what can only be called, without exaggeration, a truly unprecedented time in history. A perfect storm of viral pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social unrest has blown across the landscape of our lives. And like so many who have also been devastated by equally disruptive very real storms in recent months, it’s no wonder if we all feel a bit knocked off balance by it all. This is a time to remember that God is still king over his creation—he is with us in the midst of turmoil and trouble in our lives:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear … “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:1-2,10-11)
God is with us, but this is also a time to remember that God is in us—the same God who is king over us came to be King within us. Jesus, who is our true King (John 18:36), is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) who is imaged within every believer (Romans 8:29). He is our help and hope in the difficulties of this fallen world through which we sojourn. When others look at us, will they see Jesus, our God and King who is a refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble? In a truly troubled world, he is the true hope we have to offer—“which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
We at Whole Heart are praying for families, the church, our country, and you—especially for those are sick, grieving, without work, without homes, oppressed, distressed, and without hope. This is a time for us as the people of God to be Jesus to the people of the world around us—loving, listening, caring, sharing, supporting, and helping. May we all, in the words of the prophet Micah, strive by the Spirit of Christ within us in these days of difficulty “to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).
CANCELED: Awaking Wonder Weekend
It seems that our hotel conferences planned for August and September in CO, TX, and CA have fallen victim to the Coronavirus. After much prayer and counsel, we concluded that there was simply too much uncertainty surrounding the future of the crisis. For the official announcement, click on the button below.
KINDLED: Educating the WholeHearted Child
Our 382-page home education handbook for the WholeHearted Learning Model is now available on Kindle (click on the first button below). It is now fully indexed so you can go to any topic and page as quick as a click. And if you already own the 2019 4th edition print version of EWHC, click on the second button below to download a free PDF of the expanded Table of Contents.
ONLINE: We’re Catching Up So We Can Meet Up
With the Coronavirus isolation, and AW conferences cancelation, we’re getting re-focused on needed updates to our online ministries—a LifewithSally.com makeover, a new Sally Clarkson mobile app, a SallyClarkson.com online store, and updates to our other websites. It’s all so we can better connect with you in the new normal of the viral life. More soon on what’s coming and when.
FAMILY: Clarksons in Transit
We’re thankful that the Coronatide has receded enough to allow our children to escape their viral isolation to come home to Colorado for a visit. Nathan and Keelia arrived first from New York City, and Joy and Joel arrived soon after from Scotland in the UK. We’re also hoping for a visit from Sarah, Thomas, and the grandchildren later in the summer.
GEORGE FLOYD: We Pray and Lament
We are deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd. It is an injustice that demands not just a legal response, but also a spiritual one. The “gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23) that Jesus offered was not only a message of salvation, but also of service and sacrifice. For he “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The tragic and wrongful death of Floyd, a brother in Christ, leaves us asking how we can be the kingdom gospel that Jesus came to offer to “the poor…the captives…the blind…and oppressed” (Luke 4:18).
ONLINE: Where to Find Us
SallyClarkson.com — For Sally’s personal and ministry site, blog, podcast, and more.
ClayClarkson.com — For Clay’s personal website with blog, words, music, and more.
ClarksonFamily.com — For all our family’s websites, social media, books, and more.