In the opening chapter of Nehemiah, we see Nehemiah weeping, mourning, fasting, and praying. He is heart-broken over the condition of his fellow Jews living in “trouble and disgrace.” So he puts his grief to work and rolls up his sleeves to help them in their broken condition. It serves as an example to us about being a church that helps those who are troubled and disgraced. May we be an extension of Jesus’ love and grace in our world!