Our scripture for today is from the prophet Jeremiah, chapter 29. You might remember that the Kingdom of Israel had fallen into a state of disunity and had split into the northern and southern kingdoms. The southern kingdom was invaded by Babylon and many Israelites were taken into exile there. When we are at our lowest, we have some choices we can make: 1. Leave, remove ourselves, from the situation. This might be the best decision.      The Israelites did not have that option. 2. Stand and fight.     The Israelites did not have that option. 3. Stay.     This is where Jeremiah tells them to choose to make things better for themselves. He basically tells them, bloom where you are planted. Don't stay and be passive but grow and mature and flourish.