Celebrating Two Years of #HolyMischief

By Rev. Dr. Shannon Karafanda
 
It’s been two years since I launched the digital ministry of #HolyMischief and what an amazing ride it has been! In the past two years, the Facebook group has grown to more than 1,200 members and the email list to almost 300. We’ve had pop-up events at a Farmer’s Market, Wine Tasting venue, and restaurants. We went on a Civil Rights Tour, hosted virtual prayer meetings, and shared the story on podcasts. In 2021, I launched a subscription box service: a quarterly box shipped to you with items to help you love your neighbor in fun and surprising ways. And United Methodist Communications has picked up several series of #HolyMischief video challenges for social media.

It has been amazing to see God at work through all of this. I’ve gotten to meet people from other churches and hear how their stories have made a difference. My favorite was an idea from a High School Principal in Coweta County. He tells his students every day, “If no one has told you today, I love you.” This idea shouldn’t be surprising to us, and it fits beautifully into our Wesleyan theology of abundant grace! The question is, do we tell people? Do we say “I love you” on a daily basis? The next part is, do we ever tell people outside of our family? If your answer is no, then why not? People need to know. Our world is a dark and lonely place, and anything we can do to make it brighter helps shine God’s light into those corners of darkness where many dare not go. This “I love you” challenge has now been shared at several schools, offices, and churches and the response has been overwhelming. Not only do people who hear the message feel seen, but the people doing the act of #HolyMischief also say that it has brought more joy to their day as well.
 
If you'd like to get involved in Holy Mischief or check out all the video challenges, go to www.ShannonKarafanda.com. May we all experience the fruit of kindness in our daily lives. Thank you for encouraging me on this journey. May God continue to bless us as we spread love and #HolyMischief in Jesus’ name.
 
Rev. Dr. Shannon Karafanda serves as the Executive Pastor at Peachtree City UMC. Contact her at shannon.karafanda@ngumc.net.