The Civil war that raged across the United States from 1861-1865 was a terrible event. An estimated 750,000 soldiers, and an undetermined number of civilians were killed. 30% of all white males living in the Confederate states lost their lives. But surprisingly, in the midst of the carnage, some beautiful songs were written. Recently Randall Foster has collected many and published them in Divided and United (songs of the Civil War) Many today, when faced with the reality of war, disaster and disease, ask “why?” We may never know all the answers, but when suffering comes, many turn more to God for comfort. Isaiah the Prophet wrote, referring to our Lord Jesus, wrote, “The Lord has anointed me to … heal the broken hearted…to give comfort to those who mourn.” If you are hurting, reach out to Jesus today. He waits for you to call.

Pastor Alex Rockwell