I am having trouble with hate in my heart. Last night on the news was a story about a highschool boy who was charged with animal cruelty for slamming a cat to the ground like he was spiking a football. Someone filmed it and posted it.

I am an animal lover. The film showed the cat running away but I know it died. Being slammed to the ground at that force undoubtedly caused fractures and other internal injuries. The cat ran and died alone and in horrible pain somewhere.

I had horrible thoughts of what I would like done to that boy and whomever filmed it. I know we are not to wish harm on others but my heart is so furious. I believe that harming animals is a precursor to hurting people. I have no mercy in my mind or heart for abusers of any kind. I don't want to hate.

I have tremendous hope that Jesus is there and takes all the abused home and loves them with a love incomprehensible here on Earth. I hope that having hope is a form of faith.

Lord Jesus, please send Your Spirit to my soul, my spirit, my mind, all that is me and help me to see that You created us and You will redeem us....human and animal. Amen

Today I pray for all those in the path of hurricane Florence headed to the east coast. May those that are evacuating get to their destinations safely. For those who are staying, may God send His angels to guard you and protect you from harm. I pray that the waters not take any lives and do no damage or minimal damage. Lord spread Your Spirit over these people and give them peace and comfort and the knowledge that You are with them always. Amen.

I have been diagnosed with depression for over 30 years. My medication used to work really well. Since menopause it has worked less. For those of you who have the same situation, remember you are not alone. Life is sometimes really hard to survive mentally and emotionally and of course physically as well. Those with a physical disability can sometimes easily be identified and empathy much more easily given. For those of us whose pain does not show, we can feel alone.

So my prayer, for myself and others, is to be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself as you would treat another person you care deeply about who you know is hurting. Few things in life are permanent. Good days come and go as well as bad days. If today is a bad day, take some time to rest and release your pain to the Lord. He has the strength to take it. Imagine yourself sitting with Him holding your hand telling you everything will be ok.