Most media outlets are not showing the full picture of what Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson IV just did.
As WKTV reports Mayor Robinson asked the city to donate his entire $100,000 salary to help people pay their utility bills while they’re out of work.
The Mayor said; "Now granted, this isn't going to make a tremendous drop in the bucket, but what I want to communicate to you is I'm not afraid. I'm not going to ask you to lose your salary if I'm not willing to do the same at this particular time. I understand that this is a challenging experience both from our health standpoint with the virus, but also, obviously, the economy. However I fully expect us to make a full recovery in what we're doing."
What is left out of the reports is that Mayor Robinson recognizes that there's no need for fear during this pandemic because he is a child of God.
Psalm 94:!9 says 'When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy'.
Fear is your enemy. That's why we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind'. In Joshua 1:9 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' Again in Deuteronomy 'Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.'
It's clear that God wants to assure His people that they are His and if we are His what is there to fear? This is how people can remain calm in circumstances that are actually terrifying! With that we can live out Philippians 4:7 'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
I am confident that Grover and his family will be blessed for this sacrifice. I pray that people who don't have a relationship with God will be inspired by Grover's example and begin exploring how to have one.
Below is a video of Grover explaining the Christian definition of joy.