What Does This World Need Right Now?

A Minister’s Message from Rev. Mark Taylor, Minister of Faith Development 405.341.3544 mtaylor@fccedmond.org

What does this world need right now? More love. More justice. More healing. More people who are truly alive.

In a world that feels more divided every day, it’s easy to wonder: Can love really overcome all of this? Is there still hope for peace, justice, and flourishing for everyone?

We believe the answer is yes. And we believe it starts within us.

But how do we move forward? As we’ve searched for wisdom to guide us in this season, we’ve been drawn to the voice of Howard Thurman—a mystic, theologian, and writer who deeply influenced leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Thurman’s reflections on faith, justice, and calling offer timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to live with greater intention.

One of his most powerful insights speaks directly to this moment:

"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that,
because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."

When life feels heavy and uncertain, it’s tempting to pull back—to retreat into despair, go on autopilot, or convince ourselves the world’s problems are too big for us to change. But what if, instead of pulling away, we listened to the Spirit’s invitation to step into something deeper?

That’s the heart of our new series: Come Alive: What The World Needs Now. (February 9 through March 2).

Thurman taught that real transformation begins within us—when we connect with God’s love and let it overflow into the world. Each week, we’ll explore the deep connection between spiritual formation and social transformation. When we live fully awake to God’s love, we begin to see and nurture that love in others—building bridges, healing wounds, and creating the world we long for. Because the way forward isn’t just about fixing the world out there—but about awakening something in ourselves.

If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what’s next, you’re not alone. If you’re engaged but wondering what your role is in this moment, this series is for you. God is already at work restoring what is broken. The invitation is open—to step into that work, to bring healing, justice, and hope, one person at a time.

Let’s come alive, together.