Earthquakes in Nepal, civil unrest in
Baltimore, contentious debate in the Supreme Court, a memorial
service for my mom. It has been a challenging week in a wide variety
of ways. Sometimes life gets a bit overwhelming and it can be
difficult figuring out how best to respond. There are times when I am
tempted to simply close the blinds and go back to bed. Except that is
not really an option. We live in this world and our faith calls us to
participate in such a way that we help to restore wholeness in those
situations where brokenness can seem all-pervasive. Which is one of
the reasons why I am so grateful for my connection with the United
Church of Christ. It is good to be reminded that in this sometimes
overwhelming world I do not have to face it alone. I have partners to
challenge me, encourage me, support me, prayer for me, work with me.
Sometimes, as with the situation in Nepal, we have access to
well-established partnerships through whom we can provide prompt and
efficient assistance. Sometimes, as with the situation in Baltimore,
there are wise and insightful people who help us gain a fuller,
richer, deeper understanding of what’s going on and how we can
participate in making it better. Sometimes, as with the marriage
equality debate in the Supreme Court, we have the privilege of
standing in solidarity with the disenfranchised as we offer an
alternative perspective on what it means to be Christian. Sometimes,
as with my own experiences around my mother’s death, we get to
offer and receive quiet, prayerful support and encouragement that
matters more than words can express. Life in this world can be
overwhelming. And it is not necessary to face that challenge alone.
We have each other and we have God. Together may we participate in
bringing love and light to those with whom we share life on this
planet. Thank you for walking this journey with me.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
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