Page 106 of Lee

The pastor went on to talk about the struggles facing everyone in a world where lies, injustices, and so much more stood in direct opposition to what God wanted His children to be focused on.

He talked about social media and how it could often turn one’s focus from God to worry, panic, or fear. Or, in other cases, tempt them with images that would bring about impure thoughts.

Rori hadn’t really thought much about the effects of social media. But that was probably because she’d worked hard to cultivate her feeds so that she rarely saw anything she didn’t want to. Much of what she’d done her best to remove was political or what seemed fake to her. Like the women who looked perfect and lived perfect lives.

Comparison was the thief of joy, and she hadn’t wanted it to take over her life, which she knew it would, if she constantly compared herself to the women of social media who seemed to have it all.

Rori noticed that as the pastor spoke, Carisa made notes in a notebook. Even her Bible had highlighted passages in it. Clearly, she took her faith seriously.

Glancing over at Lee, Rori wondered how seriously he took his belief in God. She knew that he prayed and attended church, but was there more? Maybe she’d find out as they spent more time together.

But if he was also looking to discover more about her faith in God, he wouldn’t find much. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe in God. It was more that she just didn’t think God cared one way or another about her and her insignificant life.

The words to that song she’d liked so much from the first time she’d attended the church drifted through her mind. She absolutely wanted to believe God was interested in the insignificant life of a young woman like her.

Apparently sensing Rori’s gaze on him, Lee looked down at her and lifted a brow before smiling at her. Though Rori managed to smile back, she couldn’t help but wonder if her not embracing God the way Lee and the others did would mean he wouldn’t want to be with her anymore.

“As we sing this last song, let us be sincere in our request for God to open our eyes and ears to see and hear His truth, not the lies of the world. And to open our mouths to share that truth with others who are mired in fears and lies.”

The worship team, including Gareth on the drums, took their positions on the stage as the words appeared on the screens at the front. It was another song that Rori didn’t know, but the words were still meaningful as she listened to the congregation around her—including Lee and Carisa—sing them worshipfully.

Open my eyes that I may see

glimpses of truth thou hast for me.

Place in my hands the wonderful key

that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear

voices of truth thou sendest clear,

and while the wave notes fall on my ear,

ev’rything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my ears, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear

gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.

Open my heart and let me prepare

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