“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)
What do the National Day of Prayer, Pentecost, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Mental Health Awareness all have in common besides the fact all of them occur in May? I’m going to suggest…a lot.
Mother’s Day
I’ve been reflective on this special holiday approaching us, especially because I am in the thick now of making a movie adapted from my novel The Jealous Son, based on the story of Cain and Abel as told through the Eve character’s eyes. As a mother, Eve had it really rough. Sure, she was imperfect as the very first mother, sinning and being ultimately shunned from the Garden of Eden. Then going on to raise two sons, one who was so envious he killed his younger brother…her other son. I have been fortunate I have not had to face the death of a child, but I know other moms who have experienced this pain like no other. Also, friends who have recently lost their mothers. I pray for you all and am thankful for my own mother, who is alive and well, as well as my two daughters who are also moms.
Mental Health Awareness Month
In the movie I’m now collaborating with a studio on making, the Cain character develops a mental health illness exacerbated by alcohol and drugs…and goes off his meds, which leads him to do the drastic deed he does. It’s a murder mystery for the audience, however, because we don’t know exactly how or why the murder occurs, much less the devastating fallout everyone, especially the Eve character, experiences. The movie tagline is, “Despair Can Be Deadly.” I pray for all parents whose children suffer from mental illness, who experience it themselves, the families torn apart by it.
Memorial Day
This is a day the United States devotes to remembering those veterans who died for our country…through battles and wars…defending our nation and other nations as well. We are now protecting and defending Israel…and in turn the world…against the violent and Godless acts committed by Iranian terrorists. Hopefully the end result will bring about more peace in this world. Yes, this would be a monumental achievement. But peace in the world is hard-won and usually temporary, as evil constantly tries to fight good. As the passage in John above states, the only real source of lasting peace is Jesus Christ. We can have this peace in our hearts and souls despite worldly peace, or the lack of it.
Prayer and Pentecost
So what ties all of these special days, celebrations, and the entire month together? Prayer and our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus invited to come to us after He died and was resurrected…to stay with us, guide us and give us lasting peace after He went to the Father…and to help us continue to do great works in His name. Pentecost Sunday on May 24 celebrates this gift of the Holy Spirit, who was sent by God to Mary 2026 years ago so Jesus would be born to save us all. Mother Mary, the blessed mother, born without sin, would be the “new Eve” to show us all the way. Just like Eve and mothers throughout time, Mary also faced pain and suffering with the death of her only Son. So we can pray to her as well, in times of our own distress, for healing and hope. And that, my friends, brings us full circle to appreciate and be greatful for this time we’re in right here, right now, no matter what.
Lord, please help us to walk in Your ways and lean on Mary, our Mother, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, as guides to You and the peace and joy You give each one of us, every single day. Amen.
