From Covid Easter To War Easter, And Thinking Of Sesame Street #Discernment #Wisdom #Prophesy #Truth

Easter Season in the United States of America 2026 brings an element of heaviness for me, only rivaling that of 2020 as Covid 19 was taking a global march around the world. Then, as now, there is no shortage of fodder for reflection. If there is a famine in the land, it is not of reasons to seek truth.

Earlier this week an individual who believes that our current POTUS was put in office to “save America” sent a direct message which included a video of a self-proclaimed prophet who had “prophesied” the Trump presidency and war with Iran. The delivery was as passionate as Shakespearian monologue, and almost as dramatic as the accompanying worship band’s music. Total dice-roll stuff, born of a sect that should be called, the church of “Even a Broken Clock Is Right Twice Per Day”. The sender was not the first person to jump into my DMs and share such content. I typically reply by asking those individuals not send me any more, and that’s the end of it. This current individual however, violated my request. I wanted to be gracious though, so I suggested they take some time to engage in the spiritual discipline of prayer—primarily for wisdom, understanding, and discernment—and reminded them to no longer send to me such DMs. They promptly sent two more.

Now, I believe it is wise to consider that it is not only a sign of disrespect when, after one says “no”, or “stop” to another person regarding a particular behavior, and they then choose to persist in that behavior, but it also makes me wonder what else one could tell that person “no” to or ask that they stop doing, for which that the request would be ignored. I elected to separate myself from that DM option, so the individual would not be further tempted.

My response was born of some reflections from the previous week, regarding what truth is, as I was taking some self-inventory regarding my capacity for discernment. Turns out, I need help daily.

The second half of John 28:37 states, “Everyone who belongs/receives/accepts to the truth listens to my voice.” This gives me great comfort. So, a practicing disciple of Jesus would we ask themself, “what is he saying to us?” In an opposite perspective, Mein Kampf teaches, “If you tell a big enough and simple enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”—Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) This give me pause and particularly in these times, in America, turns my stomach more than just a bit.

What is truth? Can it only be grasped when compared to the darkness lies? Can we prove anything to be true?

For example, virgin birth of Christ. There are those who insist this doctrine is unimportant and unlikely, and judge me as not being very “sex-positive” for accepting the virgin birth as a truth, as my inner feminist says that to insist a carnal “magic wand” contribution of a “miraculous elixir” be inserted into Jesus’ birth narrative is quite unnecessary in the realm of the divine. But it’s not like we can obtain a DNA test to prove it, per the report of Acts 1:11 describing Jesus’ whole physical self as he ascends beyond the clouds—the only evidence Jesus leaves us to work with is his breathed spirit. What remains of him here within in us and among us is the important part of the story, however. More important than any doctrinal debate.

This breathed spirit is our helper. Maybe we cannot prove anything.

But we can do two things:

1) We can seek and provide evidence of truth through our lived experiences and our life lessons and those shared by others.

2) We can give testimony to the truth by the choices we make and how we live in following your example.

My prayer for this season: Lord, this prayer is brought to you today by the letters D and W, and the number nine—and we, your children; As we pray for the following: D for discernment (yes- discernment!) to insert itself into our consciousness, W for wisdom seasoned with understanding and an increased appetite for it, and the number 9 for the manifestation of the fruit of your spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control so we may live as your followers in this world, providing evidence of your everlasting love and testimony to your unfailing care for our individual and collective growth and well-being. Help us to listen to your voice through your teaching and in listening to each other, for our own sakes and for your delight.

Sloppy little broken clock drawing; day got away from me--my actual clock is just ticking away!