A Time of Collective Lament & Grief

We are living in a time of profound unrest. The chaos of recent events—murder, assassinations, catastrophic tragedies—has left many grieving, angry, and confused. Across every culture, nation, and sphere of society, we feel the ripple effects. No one is untouched.

But it’s not only catastrophic events that weigh us down. Racial and cultural tensions are raging. People are not only using physical weapons, but also the weapons of their tongues—words meant to demonize, degrade, and dehumanize. And if you are on social media or the Internet at all, you are exposed to this climate daily.

I want to share something I am personally choosing to do in response: I have removed certain apps from my phone. Not because I want to ignore what is happening in the world—that would be impractical—but because I want to reduce how often I am subjected to the unending flood of negativity, anger, and hostility.

I believe it is important for all of us to consider some form of unplugging. We may not be able to unplug from the world, but we can manage how much of the world enters our hearts and minds through our devices.

• Remove the apps from your phone or at least from your home screen

• Replace that time with prayer

• Read your physical Bible

• Or listen to the audio Bible as you rest or commute.

The Word of God offers us an anchor in times like these. Philippians 4:8 reminds us of where to set our minds:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

We cannot ignore what is happening in our society. But we can choose how we respond. This is not a call to hide; it is a call to combat—to resist being consumed by chaos, and instead to cultivate peace, clarity, and faith.

🕊️ Breathe. Grieve. Pray. Heal.

#DarshanNicoleWilliams #CollectiveHealing #ThinkOnTheseThings