They will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to save you and rescue you.
This is the Lord’s declaration.
I will rescue you from the power of evil people
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
Jeremiah 15:20-21 (CSB)

All of us are leading in some capacity right now. For some of us, our circle of influence might be our families or our children. For others, it might extend to our communities or our churches or online through our words and images. And in these times when vision is lacking and wisdom is needed in every way, we can become discouraged in our efforts to lead well. It can seem like we’re fighting a battle we can’t win against evil. And when others attack us in word or in body for loving like Jesus loves or for simply being who we are as beloved children of God in our Black and brown bodies, the never-ending anguish and grief can be unbearable.

May these words from the Lord to Jeremiah give you the strength to keep going:

I will rescue you from the power of evil people
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

Lord, encourage us when we despair and help us to keep leading with hope. Amen.