The Eye of the Storm

"3 shootings, 2 teenagers dead."

"Runaway Teenager last seen with older man in drug house."

"Family of 12 moves into 2 bedroom house."

"Kids eat their first meal of the day at dinner."

"Baby living on chips and candy."

"Traffic stop leads to capture of 3 armed felons, AK 47's, semi automatic hand guns, pictures of police officers and drugs at a house one street over."

These would be the headlines of our week. It has been incredibly heavy. Honestly, I have felt numb at some points, not to mention exhausted. I was telling a friend today, "How do I not feel burdened? Broken? How do I rest in the midst of such chaos?" I can't "unlearn" what has been learned. Casting our burden and cares onto God is the answer, but I struggle with how exactly that practically plays out when the chaos of brokenness continues all around us." This has been a defining week for Glenn and I as well. Trying to figure out how to nurture our marriage and take care of ourselves with boundaries and rest. We have also had to try and  make some final decisions about the Dream Campaign and about really focusing in on putting down roots in our community, committing for the long haul, digging in and cultivating relationships.

It's funny how in the midst of crime, heartbreak, coming to the end of yourself every day and tears, we feel peace. Our purpose has never been more clear than it is now. We are here to be a light. To be an instrument of peace. To be shalom. To be consistent. To be brave. To be the hands and feet of Christ.

I personally, have never been more dependent on or thankful for the Holy Spirit. The level of discernment and peace He has provided has been incredible and I know that we are here, and we will continue to be here because of Jesus. 

I am so thankful for the body of Christ and the support, prayers, encouragement and love we receive. Y'all are teaching me how to care for myself as well as others. The week has been heavy with heartache but with equal blessings from friends who choose compassion and walk with us on this journey. When you are in full time ministry....this is sometimes the hardest thing to do and lack of it leads to burnout. God did not call us to be saviors. He sent HIS son as a Savior to all. We are simply willing vessels. Chipped, broken and held together by the grace of God.

Sometimes it feels like we are in the eye of a storm. Everything is swirling around us chaos, yet with Christ we can have peace. We pray that our home will be a place of peace in the storms currently plaguing our neighborhood.

At the end of the day...God is Sovereign. He sees. He cares. He provides. 

We cherish every prayer and you help combat the heaviness of the situations by fighting back with the covering of prayer. We feel it. We rest in that.

If you would like to help support the work that we are doing in inner city Savannah with families in our community, please visit: Support the Paddocks

Here are the links to our neighborhood news stories:

Neighborhood Bust

Teens killed in Shooting Spree

Keep Praying,
Morgan