The ending of a story is crucial in determining the meaning of the story. If Romeo had simply not panicked and committed suicide, both he and Juliet would have gone on to live happy, joy-filled lives. If Gollum had not bitten the ring off of Frodo’s finger and fallen into the fires of Mt. Doom, the dark Lord Sauron would have regained the ring and the unquenchable power that went with it.

As humans, it is very important for us to understand history and where we fit into it. Every one of us has a basic need to know the meaning of the story of history.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

They gathered in the small boarding house on Market Street. They sat down in high-backed wooden chairs around a simple wooden table. There was no air-conditioning to sooth the summer heat. In the descending rays of the late afternoon, a candle was their light. To them was given the awesome responsibility to craft a declaration; the “power to begin the world over again.”

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” -Proverbs 18:21

Shortly after we launched Christians Engaged, the Lord put the above verse on my heart—specifically as it relates to the way in which we speak of our government officials and leaders.

As I read the content of our first few weekly 5:55 prayer texts, I came to realize that there was a disconnect within my own heart and life between my prayers on Monday and my general political conversation throughout daily life…