The beauty of it is that we are already set up to address injustice.
We are already organized for crisis response.
We are already experienced in paying attention to, caring about and addressing human need.
We are already trained to be non-anxious presences in anxious systems.
We are already grounded in prayer and know that we cannot do it without reliance on a greater love.
We are already first responders.
We and our communities are as prepared as any people can be for what’s next for America.
We are already self-differentiated.
We are already accustomed to ministering to communities in grief, loss or jubilation.
We already know that the work is never finished and that while we may breathe a sigh of relief from time to time, that breath is to replenish us, not to signal a cessation of effort.
You will need to get a good night of sleep tonight.
You will need to eat nourishing meals.
You will need to do whatever it takes in your prayer life to not soak up all the massive anxiety that will surge across the world tomorrow. It will be a tsunami. Be careful, spiritual sponges. I know you. I am one of you.
The beauty of it is, we have been called to minister to the people, which takes us out of our own wailing minds and into relationship. It requires us to listen, to abide with, to convey God’s inextinguishable love wherever we are. It requires chill.
Do some things to get ready. Extra prayer time today. Maybe laundry and ironing. I am going to a Russian steam bath with a friend later this afternoon, to be with women in the steam, to get warm down into my bones. To get scrubbed super clean. Please be careful. Do not overdo the coffee, the wine, the sugar, the whatever. Anchor down with lovers, loved ones, children, animals, nature, fresh air.
Thinking of all of you. Be beautiful, because the beautiful thing is, you were called to the ministry for just such a moment as this.
I needed this. Thank you.
Oh, thank you. I realized this morning that I’m scheduled to preach on Wednesday morning and I just don’t know that I can put much on paper ahead of time this particular week… but I can pray. And I can study. I can practice excellent self-care. I can do whatever is before me mindfully. I can minimize social media time.
wow did I need this today. thank you!
Love this. Xoxo
Words of beauty, truth and challenge much needed for such a time as this. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you for these good words.
As St. Paul says: listen, abide, chill: “For neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”
Or as the psalmist says: “Tremble, but do not despair. Attend to your heart.”
Thank you, Vicki. Blessings on you, and all who overcome fear with love.
Amen. And thank you!
Prayers ascending from here in Canada, that all stays peaceful, and your hearts are not anxious throughout this long day. Bless you all for the good work you do in tending God’s people and thank you PB.