Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ”
Romans 12:15
There are certain years that just sound momentous. I remember anchoring the news when the calendar turned to the year 2000. It sounded so incredible like we were going to be living in another dimension.
Since 2000, we’ve been looking forward to 2020. There have been all kinds of vision statements positively anticipating this year (usually with the word “vision” in front of 2020). We knew this was going to be a pivotal year. But I never saw or heard any reports that resembled anything like what we’ve seen so far! It’s said that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. But is there anything that says that if a year comes in like a lion, it will turn into a fire-breathing dragon??
Soon after COVID-19 hit the Commonwealth, we started hearing stories—stories that inspired, encouraged, and enlightened us. They caused us to praise the Lord and celebrate what He was doing in and through the many churches of the SBC of Virginia. Just about every weekday morning for the past three months, we’ve been sharing these “Not Alone Stories” with you through email and social media. Many of you have let us know that you have looked forward to waking up and hearing these true God stories every day.
We have also expanded our coverage to include poignant conversations regarding racial unity. This focus didn’t start just this spring but has been an ongoing part of our convention discussions for a while. You can see some of those conversations and resources at
sbcv.org/racial-unity-conversations.
This Proclaimer that you’re reading is really a compilation of these incredible stories in written form. It allows us to put into practice Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
God continues to move in and through the churches of the SBC of Virginia. Let us continue to pray for His blessing as we remain faithful to Him, live in His freedom, and love one another.
“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” ~ Galatians 5:13
Resource — Conversations regarding racial unity: sbcv.org/racialunityconversations