Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere

Guthrie reflects on the impact of a charity commercial she saw, featuring Mercy Ships providing medical aid to people with severe, preventable conditions in Africa. The contrast between their suffering and her own privileged life led her to question how these individuals could feel that “mostly what God does” (252) is love them. This brings her to the core issue of suffering and faith, questioning why some people endure immense pain while others do not.

Guthrie acknowledges that there are no satisfying answers to why suffering exists, which often leads to doubt and challenges faith. However, she emphasizes that these questions should not stop individuals from doing what they can to help. She believes that showing love and compassion to those who suffer is how they can feel God’s love, even if they can’t directly sense it themselves.

She shares a personal experience of seeing a homeless family and feeling guilt for her privileged position. She decides to buy them food, realizing that true Christ-like love would involve deeper engagement and continued support, not just a one-time act of charity.

Guthrie argues that God invites individuals to participate in his mission of love and compassion, providing purpose. She notes that loving others deeply and consistently is challenging, but with God’s love, individuals can do more than they ever thought possible.

She concludes by emphasizing the importance of looking past people’s suffering and seeing their humanity, as Mercy Ships’ nurses do. This approach mirrors how God sees people—beyond flaws and failings, focusing on peoples’ true selves. Guthrie calls for individuals to try to do the same, showing compassion to all, as the Lord does.

Guthrie shares her experiences and thoughts about giving commencement speeches. She finds it both intimidating and meaningful to address graduates at such a pivotal moment in their lives. Reflecting on her own journey, she emphasizes that success is often a winding path filled with failures and new beginnings.

Guthrie recounts her first job in television news, which ended abruptly when the station closed just two weeks after she started. Despite the initial devastation, this experience led to a better opportunity, highlighting that no experience is wasted if approached with determination. She also discusses the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, sharing her decision to leave a promising legal career to return to journalism without a job lined up. This leap of faith eventually led to a role at Court TV, aligning with her true passion.

She encourages graduates to embrace the challenges and failures they will inevitably face, viewing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Guthrie believes that taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones are essential for personal and professional development. She concludes by urging graduates to trust in God’s plan, even when life seems chaotic, as faith in God’s guidance can transform perceived failures into steps towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Guthrie reflects on her first experience volunteering to help with Communion at her church in New York City. She describes the intimate nature of this sacred ritual, where parishioners come forward to receive the bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. Each interaction, though repetitive, feels significant as Guthrie meets each person’s eyes and shares in this moment of blessing.

She emphasizes that Communion is inherently communal, a practice meant to be done together, reflecting God’s personal and specific love for each individual. This communal aspect extends beyond the ritual itself, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith among the congregation.

Guthrie recounts how this experience of serving Communion has helped her see people through God’s eyes, recognizing the inherent value and dignity in every person. She describes moments outside of church, like riding the subway, where she tries to view others with the same compassion and understanding, acknowledging their individual journeys and struggles.

She also grapples with the challenges of loving others despite differences and disagreements. Guthrie stresses the importance of approaching others with love, as commanded by Jesus, and relying on God for the strength to do so. Ultimately, she concludes that Communion is not just about the ritual but about the community it creates. It is a holy gift that reminds individuals of shared faith and the call to love and support one another, reflecting the love God has for everyone.

Guthrie reflects on a question posed by Oprah: “What is my purpose?” (284). This question resonates with Guthrie, prompting her to explore her own life’s purpose. She acknowledges that her purpose isn’t tied to her job, fame, or identity but is broader and more intrinsic.

Guthrie identifies herself as a communicator and explainer, having always been drawn to speaking, writing, and teaching. However, she admits that her talents have sometimes been used in ways that fall short of love. She realizes that her true purpose must align her gifts with meaningful service to others, reflecting the qualities God has given her.

She shares personal anecdotes about her career journey, highlighting moments where she took significant risks and faced failures, yet ultimately found her path by leaning on her faith. These experiences taught her that even wrong decisions can be redeemed, and that God’s presence is constant through all life’s challenges.

Guthrie concludes that her purpose, distilled to one word, is “share.” She emphasizes that sharing what we have been given is an act of faith and trust in God, contrasting with the natural inclination to hoard out of fear. She believes that her blessings are meant to be shared, not kept, as an expression of God’s love and grace.

She ends with a call to embrace the love God has for everyone and to let this love guide one’s actions. She quotes a church leader who spoke about the awe and wonder we should feel toward God, and how God is also in awe of us. This realization reinforces Guthrie’s core message: “Mostly what God does is love us” (290). She urges individuals to let love have the last word in their lives.