Trust in Him

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." -Isaiah 26:3

We've endured a complete change of life due to COVID-19 and the aftermath from the death of George Floyd. It feels like life as we know it may never be the same. It is certainly certain that no one is certain about anything. Experts in religion, science, medicine, government policy, public opinion, social media, and the economy don't seem to agree on anything. There is strife and division everywhere we look. Opinions on how to move forward together as a country seem to be ever changing and evolving. Even change for the better is met with resistance. With the constant change we are facing, it is easy to be stressed, depressed, angry, pessimistic, and anxious about our future.

What we all need is assurance. We all need that rock to hold onto. God promises His "perfect peace" to us if we just hold on to and trust in Him. He is immovable, unshakable, immortal, perfect, and constant. He is the only One we can count on. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever(Hebrews 13:8). He never promised us this life would be easy, predictable, or comfortable. He does promise to always be with us and give us His peace and strength to endure. It is evident to me that if I put my trust in Him, I will have peace, no matter what is going on around me. Faith in anything but Him has and will lead to disappointment. May we trust Him, and may He grant us His perfect peace.

 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain

The Homeschool Blessing

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." - Psalm 127:3

I love that I can count on you all for some great memes. Social media keeps me in stitches most days, but since social distancing has become the norm, you all have stepped up your game. I truly thank you.

As our kids and us have been forced into homeschooling, you all have not disappointed:

"And just like that corporal punishment and prayer are back in school"

"I am getting really tired of watching my parents' grandkids."

"Do you go to the refrigerator at school? Umm, No! Use your school stomach."

"Homeschooling is going well. 2 suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job."

All joking aside, instead of focusing on the negative aspects and inconveniences of the pandemic, we should focus on our blessings. We get to choose how we respond to extra family time. We get to be together as families. We have been forced to slow our crazy lives down. 

I remember being a brand new dad almost 18 years ago and having the generation before me tell me how fast time with our children passes. Now as my princess is a senior in high school, I tell young fathers the same thing. Cherish every moment with your loved ones. Embrace forced family time. Cook, play, laugh, binge watch, sing, workout, create, and dream together! Enjoy the noise. Truly make memories. It won't be long before they're grown and gone. The Good Lord tells us that they are a blessing. It's time we start believing and living it. 

-Be Blessed, 

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain

Sharing is Caring

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

These are interesting times. For the first time in our lives we have seen the world come to a stand still with no end in site. COVID-19 has caused a lot of inner turmoil as we face the uncertainty of tomorrow. It's in these hardest of times that we see what people truly believe and what they are made of. 

One of the first lessons we were taught as toddlers was to share. We were told incessantly to share our toys, food, and mommies. We are taught this because we are born selfish. We want to keep everything and everyone important to us to ourselves. It's human nature. A lesson that many adults should have learned decades ago has seemingly been lost. People are buying more food, soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper than they could ever possibly use because they are only thinking of themselves. Then there are the truly wretched who are only buying with the intent of making a profit. 

If you are a Christian, you are called to "do good" and "share with others." In these trying times we do both by thinking of others. It should be common sense. Now is the time for us to share God's love, our time, and resources with our neighbors. Now is the time for love to shine. Here are a few suggestions:

1. If you are sick, stay home. Don't go to work, church, the store, or anywhere  else where you can potentially infect someone else. Disease is something that should not be shared. 
2. If your symptoms are mild, treat them with over the counter remedies until you are better. This will free up our health care professionals to treat those who are critically ill.
3. When you are out shopping and the shelves are fully stocked, only buy what you need, and save some for the next person. 
4. Show compassion and patience to your store clerks as they are working harder than most, and tell them, "Thank you."
5. Check on the elderly who are the most susceptible and on fixed incomes. Share what you have with them or ask them what they need and get it for them.
6. Many parents don't have the luxury of working from home, so as school is cancelled and if you are able, offer to help take care their students while they work.
7. If your faith in the Lord is strong and you have a peace during this storm, share the reason for the hope you have. Pray for and with those who are struggling. 

I could go on and on, but I think we all get the point. Let's do the right thing. Let's be decent human beings, and in doing so, God is pleased. Be blessed!

-Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain

Photo Credit: Sonia Escobedo