And [Jesus] open his mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:2-12

Blessed are those covered in God’s favor and protection.
Blessed are those praised and thanked.
Blessed are those who are sacred and radiant.

When you do the work of God and seek what is just and right, even when it feels scary and dangerous, know that you are covered and chosen. And please let me clarify. This is not an endorsement for people to hate, murder and protect themselves and their possessions through the name of God. Come back to Jesus. Who did he seek justice and righteousness for and whom did he take it from? He despised the self-righteous religious and people who gripped onto money, in the name of God! He stood by those, fought for those, who had nothing, who were outcasted and who majority culture didn’t consider. So if you are doing such work as Jesus has, then blessings on you.

When you are marred and wounded, humiliated for your integrity and battered among the marginalized, remember that you are radiant and sacred. This is the kingdom of heaven, where those in the dirt shine bright and build a steadfast community. When people are offended by your radical life of generosity, sacrifice and inclusion, know that at the same time, you are also inspiring others that may never thank you. When people gossip about you and attempt to ruin your reputation because you refuse to stoop down to that same level, remember the prophets and the heroes who live beyond their life on earth, went through the same.

You don’t need to fake happiness or conjure up comfort. No one was born to love humiliation and persecution. You don’t need to enjoy pain. But in the midst of pain and suffering, what if you know you’re not alone in it? What if you know God is there with you and is working overtime to make sure you feel that? What if you believe that hope and heaven are your end place? What if trust that your soul is safe and getting stronger even as the world falls apart? Can this make you braver and more vulnerable? Can you laugh and cry all at once? Can you be the godly paradox?

Prayer: God help me to focus on my purpose and my God especially when I feel the most inadequate, invisible and alone. God help me to be fully present in pain and persecution and have it lead to your intimate presence.

What is your prophetic message?