Confusion! What should I do?

"Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”"~Acts 19:31-34


Using our voices in this society can have quite an impact. Earlier this year, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation that has been raising funds to support breast cancer research, prevention, and treatments for the past three decades made a decision to pull all funding from Planned Parenthood that may have forever changed the foundation's future. After outcry from those that supported the efforts of Planned Parenthood, the foundation reversed their decision. When the decision was reversed, those that supported the initial decision to pull funding from Planned Parenthood, found themselves at odds with the foundation as well.

In a matter of a few weeks, this reputable breast cancer cure driven foundation had lost respect and support of many that championed their efforts. It's really frightening when you think about it. With this one decision all the lives that have been saved and all the good that has been accomplished was and still is teetering on what its future will hold. All across the nation, the support for Susan G. Komen races has substantially declined. Day after day I read that people are no longer willing to support this organization and are taking their donations and sending them elsewhere.

 In the Bible story above, the crowd was gathered and a mob was forming, and it became obvious that few even knew what they were protesting and couldn't distinguish the Jews, the Christians or the idol worshipers of Artemis from one another. Confusion had taken over. They were on different sides, but didn't really know who was on their side or not. The shouting continued, and it wasn't until it quieted down that they all came to realize that if they didn't all quit protesting that they would all find themselves in trouble with the Roman government because protests weren't allowed. They would all suffer if they didn't come to this realization quickly. 

This leads me to questions that I often find myself asking, "What is my motive in what I'm doing?" "Am I lost in the confusion of the problem that I can no longer see clearly?"  "Is my protest aligned with what is best for for God's purpose and plan, or is it just a protest to be protesting?" Wow! Tough questions!  Often we can find ourselves smothered by the crowd and in a state of confusion. It's then that as Christians, we have to take a step back and look at how God would answer these questions as He is watching our actions.

Different beliefs and opinions lead all of us down different paths of understandings.  The Susan G. Komen foundation made a decision that I'm sure they wish they had never made. They tried to "fix" it, but found that trying to fix it, only made it worse. So, we're all faced with the difficult question as to whether to continue support or not. After answering the questions above, I find myself looking at God's plan and purpose for the Susan G. Komen races. I've found my answer in my heart, and I hope that after asking yourself the same tough questions that God will lead your heart to His purpose and plan in whether to continue support or not. And remember as the crowd gathered in this Bible story, they soon came to realize that the protest itself was the real problem that came with consequence if they didn't find their focus.

Healing Father,
Please help us to not  be defined by the mistakes and sins in our lives. Help us to use our lives to show love and support to causes that protect and care for those that need it most.
Amen