MESSAGES OF HOPE
Preaching Peace and Justice for All
by
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Chapter One:
THE EASTER SEASON
Leading up to the Easter Season of 2020, news about COVID-19 becoming a threat to American lives dominated the headlines. In January, COVID's first-known case in the U.S., by way of a Washington State man who had traveled from the city of Wuhan in China. Americans living in Wuhan were evacuated and tested in a California airbase. Efforts began to isolate all with the COVID-19 virus. In February, national news focused on the impeachment of former President Trump by the House. Later, the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were determined not guilty by the Senate. But, in March, the focus of the national news was back on COVID-19. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and the 2020 Olympics could not happen as scheduled. "The CBS Evening News" also reports COVID-19 may infect up to 70% of the world's population. In addition, hospitals began discussing how best to prepare for the impacts of COVID-19. Trump also admits to Bob Woodward that he downplayed the COVID-19 threat in the early days of the outbreak.
April saw tension. On April 30, 2020, militia group members pose in front of the Governor's office after protesters occupied the State Capitol during a vote to approve the extension of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's emergency coronavirus declaration/stay-at-home order in Lansing, Michigan. Reuters reported later in October that federal and state authorities charged 13 people for plots to kidnap the Democratic Governor. Several governors ask for White House help in calling off militant protestors, and "The CBS Evening News" reports anti-vaxxers were spreading fear about the COVID-19 vaccine. In May, the world responds in anger over the cruel death of George Floyd. This heartless act sparked protests in favor of justice and equality worldwide. Police officers kneel in solidarity with protesters in several U.S. cities. And, the top prosecutor in St. Louis says, "good police officers "can't sit in complicit silence" when it comes to racial justice.
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About the Book
Now more than ever, we need messages of hope. My book delivers weekly messages of hope for peace and justice for all through love letters preached to a racially, economically, and culturally diverse congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic and at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. This book is unique because it offers messages of hope in the wake of an ongoing viral pandemic and heartbreaking global unrest. Yet, even in times of despair, this book calls upon all people of faith to remain hopeful that peace and justice will be possible for everyone, everywhere. In a world filled with hopelessness, consider reading my book to fill your heart and mind with messages of hope.
About the Author
The Rev. Dr. Sheila Harvey is an ordained, full-time pastor of Union Congregational United Church of Christ in West Palm Beach, Florida. Currently, Dr. Sheila sits on state and national non-profit boards to further serve others. Before joining Union, Dr. Sheila served as a full-time chaplain for several years. She also has more than two decades of combined ministry experience in Florida, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.
In addition, Dr. Sheila has earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford International University. Dr. Sheila has also completed two national leadership institutes and holds a leadership certification from Harvard University. Dr. Sheila resides in South Florida with her talented and gifted son, Brandon.