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| Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash |
How quickly the world can change! Seemingly overnight much that we took for granted about the ways we lived our lives has been turned upside down and scattered to the wind. In the midst of this tumultuous time there is lots of uncertainty and plenty of suffering. And it feels like some new disruption shows up every day. Through all of it there is the temptation to panic, react in fear, and feel alone. I would invite you to take a breath (or perhaps several deep, cleansing breaths) and remember that even as the air is filling your lungs God’s Spirit is filling your life. You are never alone and you are never on your own. We have the very power of God within us, and when we forget that truth we are a part of a community of faith that can remind us. In the creation story found in the second chapter of Genesis, God declares, “It is not good for the human to be alone.” We are meant to be in relationship. We are meant to be in community. We find strength, and comfort, and support in the connections we share with each other. Now more than ever we need to nurture those connections. Reach out to each other. Offer love and support. Ask for love and support. This present darkness will pass. We will get through this. And we will come out the other side so much stronger and healthier when we remember to stay connected.
The other day I was introduced to a reflection by Mark Nepo, from “The Book of Awakening.” I believe it offers some profound wisdom for these days.
To be broken is no reason to see all things as broken.
Seldom seen, growing along the ocean floor, the white-plume anemone is a watery blossom. It is white lace opening under tons of black, opening as if bathed in the sun, while so far from the sun.
This is the trick to staying well, isn’t it: to feel the sun even in the dark. To not lose the truth of things when they go out of view. To grow just the same. To know there is still water, even when we are thirsty. To know there is still love, even when we are lonely. To know there is still peace, even when we are suffering.
None of this invalidates our pain, but only strengthens our way back into the light.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
