“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” Proverbs 25:25 (NRSV).

Many people were – and still are – brokenhearted by the tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi. Social media was filled with fans, and people in general, mourning their deaths and the deaths of the other passengers of the terrible helicopter accident. That’s why when R&B singer Ciara posted her baby news, it couldn’t have been better timing. In a world filled with so much death, disease and uncertainty. We need to hear some good news. Proverbs 25:25 says good news is like cold water to a thirsty soul. Well, our souls are thirsty for some good news. We need reminders that life is still worth living even though it can be filled with so much pain, uncertainty and sorrow. We need reminders that even amidst tragedy, there are blessings.

When I got married in October, I decided to send an announcement through my denomination’s Clergy Family Information Center. It’s the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s (A.M.E.) website to keep members of the connection updated on what’s happening in the lives of clergy and laity. They post births, marriages and promotions, but mostly, they send out death alerts. At first, I thought my wedding announcement would be considered cheesy and that no one would really care. However, after the last few months, I’m glad I sent out my wedding announcement because almost every time I open my email inbox, I see mostly death notices from all over the connection. There have been more death notices than anything else, and now I realize that people need to hear good news. They need to know that good things are still happening in the Body of Christ and in the world. Isn’t that why the Gospel is also called “the good news?” The Gospel is good news to those who are mourning, brokenhearted, sick, poor, and living on the margins of society. As believers, we are called to be bearers of good news.

There’s a saying in the news industry that states, “If it bleeds, it leads.” That means that the more devastating, horrible and tragic the news, then it’s more likely to be the leading story. We are bombarded with bad news all day long through TV, radio and social media. I believe it takes a toll on our mental and psychological well-being. You ever notice how bad news travels the fastest? It shouldn’t be that way, especially amongst believers. People need good news. What good news can you share with someone to better their day?