sunday saves | 7.7.24
A weekly catalog of things that brought me joy, resonated, made me mad, or caused me to think
Last week was a rough one! I didn’t sleep well; I was outraged, frustrated, and I let myself spiral into some major anxiety and worry in thinking about the future of our country. I believe and know that our God is Sovereign over ALL and that nothing escapes His notice, but I floundered quite a bit.
I wanted to talk to people about it — to understand others’ thoughts on the ramifications of SCOTUS’s ruling on Trump’s immunity decision and groups like Project 2025, but the “discussions” I tried to have ended abruptly with responses that caused me to shut down and withdraw even more.
I kept waiting for more bad news. Last week was how I felt during the years from 2016 through 2020, and then through the pandemic — but on a bit of a smaller scale.
And when Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that she fears for our democracy in her dissent over Trump’s immunity decision, it hit really hard. No one in the United States should be above the law!
BUT there were also five things that helped remind me of what’s at stake and that helped me rediscover some firm footing.
First — “A vote is not a valentine, you aren't confessing your love for the candidate. It's a chess move for the world you want to live in.”
Second — I have listened to this message (and posted about it on Thursday) three times now this week. What a breath of fresh air!
Third — Oh, how I lovelovelove Beth Moore! The final sentence of her post below was another reminder to breathe in and out, and to not let myself be negatively affected by all that’s going on.
Fourth — these are the stakes!
Fifth — “This moment may feel devastating but we cannot be devastated by it.” — Kelley Robinson
And now, moving on to the things that made me laugh or brought me joy this week. I’m not spending any more time on the things that made me mad or overwhelmed me —
This! My brother sent it to me. His timing was perfect — I needed light and fun this week.
This beagle puppy trying to wake up!
Delightful Oil Paintings Highlight the Dreamy Colors and Textures of Nature
Two of my favorite (desert-island) bands/performers, showing love and appreciation for one another —
This kid’s creative name for his moth is great — but his laughing fit, coupled with his mom’s laugh are EVERYTHING!!! Laughter is so healing!
Wow! These beach sand sculptures —
Eddie Vedder performing “One” for U2 at the Kennedy Center Honors (video from January 2023 show, honoring U2 as one of the winners for 2022) —
Hand-drawn interpretations of iconic “Accidentally Wes Anderson” locations by Clémence Paillieux (see her portfolio here for more gorgeous art) —
What made you think this week? What made you happy or brought a smile to your face? Did anything make you mad or frustrate you? I’d love to know about any of it — or all of it!
Please share in the comments!
Melissa, I’m pretty sure you weren’t alone on this one. Weakening the checks and balances is something that should never have been altered. Enough rights have been taken from people, and those that don’t want to talk about it, just haven’t experienced that concept, yet. Notice that I said, “yet.”
I work really hard to focus on the Sovereignty of our God, and the fact that He takes notice of all things, good and bad. It’s just mind-bending, this entire demise of any decorum, as well as respect for the following of rules.