I ran across a YouTube video channel entitled Carving a Path. It shows the homestead life of a small family in Arkansas. As a wood and metalworking wannabe, I enjoy watching videos demonstrating such skills.

As I watched the episodes from the beginning, I thought it odd that no names were used. When I viewed the latest (and perhaps last) video I understood why. Rather than retell their story, I encourage you to watch it yourself.

When watching the video, your heart may break and you may get angry. Isn’t it odd that people on two sides of a dispute all think they are doing the right thing?

You each know the political state of our country and of the world. Rest assured, what we are experiencing now is nothing new and has not taken God by surprise. Strife within and among families, communities, and nations has existed since the beginning of time.

As I listened to the story, I recognized that while the family was performing a great community service out of love and concern, they were legally wrong. Again, I will let you watch the video for yourself to understand the two sides.

Please understand there is a great war between good and evil. The problem is, the good is often imperfect. The Bible tells us that our best human efforts are as filthy rags compared to God’s loving nature and desires. Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, we can do more than we can imagine.

My heart goes out to the families involved. But I must recognize that for each story we hear, there are countless more that are unheard. No one can help everyone, but each of us can help someone in our local community. At the very least we can be kind, accepting of differences, and understanding. Beyond that, any help we can provide will be appreciated and will reflect God’s love and mercy.

Pray for this family whether you agree with their actions or not. Always pray for those around you. Your prayers may bring them into your path and allow you to show them God’s love. Then they may become part of God’s family and can pass the kindness forward.