Preacher: Annabell Knapp

Scripture: Galatians 6 & 1 Peter 4

Date: July 10, 2022

Galatians 6

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

1 Peter 4

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

My name is Annabell, I am a fellow with On Earth Peace. That’s how I got connected with Chibuzo and that’s how I got here. I’m very happy to speak with you all today. I chose those two pieces of scripture because I’m currently in London studying an MA and will be transferring to a PHD soon. I am disconnected from my friends and family that are back in the US. 

I’m still seeing all this struggle there. I have friends talk to me daily about their struggles with peace within themselves and peace within their communities. It seems like there’s an overall tiredness from those in our faith family and those in general in the US that there’s this tiredness of wanting to give up on what is good and what is right. 

This is why I chose those two scriptures because even when we are feeling this way, we are not alone in our journeys to fight for what is good and what is right. Not only do we have God, we have the community that surrounds us. We have our friends, we have our family, we have our church family. We need to make sure that we are relying on those people to help us in our path for peace and our path for good. 

We should try our best not to give up. WHen you’re feeling these spouts of struggle working towards peace or working towards what is good, you can have someone to turn to, which is why showing you have that loving community. 

That also reflects on you, to make sure you are giving space to other people. Making sure that you are loving those around you and showing love to strangers as well, the best you can. Especially when it is difficult when people don’t want to have conversations and want to put some hate out there. It’s important for us that no matter what is coming our way that we still are out there and we show that love and we show that Godliness that he has given to us and radiate light and happiness the best that we can, even as we struggle through these times because they can be really hard. 

I know that I, especially with current violence that is happening in the US. I graduated from Bridgewater COllege, and in February there was a shooting on campus where two people that I know well and worked with while there passed away. I had to worry for my friends and family who attended the school, who work at the school. 

In that time, it hurt so much and it still hurts now. Trying to fight to make sure that my friends and my family are still safe. I have two young sisters who are 8 and 10, so they still have a lot of schooling to go through. I worry for their safety, but I fight continuously for their safety, even while I’m in London for the next couple of years. 

It’s these types of scriptures that give me peace and give me reassurance that good will happen as long as I keep trying and as long as I continue to confide within my community. I know it can be hard and difficult but there are always people that will be there for you. I know that because I’m there for as many people as I can be. I don’t know many of you, but if you needed help today, I’d be happy to help as much as I could. 

My reflection was quite short. I intended it to be a bit longer, but I do talk a bit quickly. I really just hope that you take these two pieces of scripture and you can find it and continue to persevere and fight for what is good and what is right and what is peaceful and that you’re able to build community and show love to as many people as you can.