“Break my heart for what breaks yours” is part a Christian song that I love to sing but there are times when I am just plain tired. This last week was one of those harder weeks. Our non-profit struggles to make ends meet in light of higher costs and higher wages, and the higher needs in our community. There are days when I just want to give up. Last week, I dealt with a human trafficking situation that was way too close to home, and my heart breaks over the situation. I dealt with people with major health issues, death, mental health issues and so much more. My heart breaks for the things that are just not right. Add the struggles around the world, and I am just done. I am tired of shootings and abuse, tired of negative messaging and manipulation. I am tired of people talking about change but then keep doing the same old thing. I am tired of seeing old people needing emergency food because they struggle to make ends meet. I am tired of children having no good role models and seeing and hearing things beyond their age (and probably my age). My heart is broken and I am tired. I feel like I’m trying to slay a dragon, but all I have for a weapon is just a toothpick. I am just tired.

But I am not the only one that is fighting this fight! There are others standing shoulder to shoulder to make sure that things get better. The teachers of children of all ages, the public servants who want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. The large faith community that invests in the community (just think about all the Halloween places this week). The parents who try to raise their children right, the grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents who stepped up to do what is best for children. The many people who pray for the peace of the city.

Together we stand, toothpicks in hand, trying to take a stab at the dragons of our world who are trying to destroy everything good.

My toothpick is heavy today, but I will still try to lift it.