When the news isn’t good.
“When we feel overwhelmed by the darkness in the world—the violence, injustice, poverty, oppression, abuse—give us hope not to be overcome.”
— Rev. Sandra Maria Van Opstal
Message from Jess:
This past week we practiced a time of lament in our chapel service. We actively mourned the things that have not been right in our lives and in our world and we asked God to begin to piece us back together, one small step at a time.
We cried out for things to be made good again. We cried out for the people we miss and the relationships that we’ve lost.
We talked about the practice of letting emotions move through our bodies and a God that can and does carry it all with and for us.
And then Nashville.
I am a person who desires authenticity and vulnerability above most other things. And yet, I found myself trying to completely silence the wailing that was happening inside of me.
Because it is too much. Because how do I drop off my children at their elementary, middle, and high schools in light of Nashville? Or Uvalde? Or the other reported 270 school shootings that have taken place since Columbine when I was in high school.
What do we do?
I laid flat on the floor last night because I couldn’t do anything else. I didn’t know what else to pray or what else to do and I found myself paralyzed by the reality of what is not good in the world. Paralyzed after kissing my daughter goodnight that there are mommas that won’t get to do that anymore. Paralyzed by the reality that our children are not safe.
My therapist noted this week that the world is not so different than it has always been, but our access to what is happening around the world makes it so that we know it all, all the time.
And so now we know. And we have to do something different.
We can’t know and do nothing.
We cry, and we work, and we act. We get off of the floor and do what we can in our small part of the world to make it good, and beautiful, and kind in every way we can.
And it is terrifying, and hard, and we do it anyway.
If you are looking for the words and can’t find them, I’d like to share a few authors below that have given voice to the cry of my heart this week.
If you need a quiet, safe place to rest your weary heart, our chapel will be open Monday-Wednesday from 10am-4pm this coming week. Our grounds, garden, and courtyard are always available to you.
Please find the place in your part of the world that you are moved to make more good, beautiful, and kind…in the honor of all of those who can’t.
Tired
I am so tired of waiting,
Aren’t you,
For the world to become good, and beautiful, and kind?
Let us take a knife and cut the world in two—
And see what worms are eating at the rind.
— Langston Hughes
Give us the imagination to see a world without violence.
Give us a Kingdom imagination to create a better future for our children and their children.
To Light Their Way: Kayla Craig
Blessed are we who ask you, God, that grief find its way to move among us and be felt together, that comfort may flow in bonds of affection unbroken by this fresh tragedy. Though grief and tragedy and pain try to convince us otherwise, remind us that we are not alone.
The Lives We Actually Have: Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie
Praying
It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.
— Mary Oliver
Love, Jess
Inhale:
When my heart breaks
Exhale:
Give me the strength to work for good in the world
