Carolyn Codd: “Overcome”

Overcome

by Carolyn Codd

“Overcome”---my Word Gift for 2021. Martin said it, we sing it, “We shall overcome”. But shall we? Or will we be overcome?

We’re surrounded by fear, anxiety, grief; Lies, disease, division, devisivevness; Anger, hatred, racial injustice. We are feeling depressed, nervous, oppressed; And, at times, even defeated.

So, can we overcome? It’s a challenge: We should overcome. A command: We must overcome. We’re determined: We will overcome. A possibility: We can overcome. A promise: We shall overcome.

But, who are “We”? I myself will overcome. I will overcome myself. You will overcome. You and I will overcome. We shall overcome. We ourselves, together, with God’s help, will overcome.

We need, we ask for God’s help. Listening to His directions, we find a way: Seek and speak truth---not lies. Shine, reflect God’s light wherever we go--Truth and light overcome darkness. Along with truth and light, give love--Love casts out fear, transcends hate. Jesus said it, “I am the way, the truth and the life”; “Love one another” Paul said it, “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Martin said it, we still sing it: “We shall overcome”. Now--- Shall we?--- Will we?