Pastor Devotion – Old radio once told the news of WWII

By Pastor Mark Woodward

Maple Leaf Parish Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) United Methodist Churches

My mother was a young woman during the era of World War II.  Pictured here is her old AM radio that she listened to during the 1940s.  On this radio she heard the news of the events of that war torn era.  I believe she listened to the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the news stories of the day.

This old radio still works, although it is crackly and full of static.

Today we hear and process the news in many different ways – computers, cell phones, social media, television and radio.  Sadly, much like WWII,  news of war and conflict in Ukraine is hurtful and  heartbreaking.

We lift our hearts in prayer for the people of Ukraine.  We pray for peace among people of the world.

As I was growing up, I remember my singing this song in my boyhood church:  “God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church’s  story; bring her bud to glorious flower.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour.  Lo!  The hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ , assail  his ways!  Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work  and praise.  Cure thy children’s warring madness, bend our pride to thy control.”  (UMC Hymnal p. 577 written by Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930.)

Today, the message of this powerful hymn can still speak to our hearts as we pray for peace in our world.

Today, the radio in my office is telling the stories of human perseverance, human compassion, caring for others and beautiful expressions of love and peace among people…  In these often perplexing days, may the Good News of God’s redeeming love grow in our hearts and may we be people of peace and hope as we “tune in” to being people of faith who work together to the  glory of God.