The days blend together.
The news is too much.
The world needs healing.
The anxiety is overwhelming.
The unknowns consume us.
But we have options.
We can live each day with faith, which is a radical option.
We can show kindness, and maintain decency.
We can believe in prayer, and hold fast to all that is good.
We can wake up every morning, determined to be our best selves –
which is so subversive.
January 30. This morning, we thought that the challenges of this week were enough. It was enough to monitor all the changes in Washington, D.C. It was enough to absorb news of the effects of freezing funding to non-profits. It was enough to wonder about ICE raids around Boston, and what they mean for folks nearby.
And then we heard about the plane crash at National Airport in D.C., where a Navy helicopter and a commercial flight from Kansas City collided, leaving no survivors. Even resilient people started to wonder how much hard news they could take in.
So how do we find strength this week?
All I know is that the Bible was written in moments like this. Every story in the Old and New Testaments emerges from a time marked by change, loss, and political debate. These stories are sacred not because they have answers but because they raise life’s hard questions. They tell of good people who felt overwhelmed, and yet found the grace to put one foot in front of the other.
They remind us that faith is the ability to remember that God is not finished, yet. The Bible says God is writing the script on this story of our lives, and there is a lot more to be revealed. The Bible says, the fate of our world is not all on our shoulders. God is on this journey with us. Hopefully, that knowledge is enough to keep us keeping on.
Many blessings,
Susan
Gratitude
I feel so grateful to have been asked to serve as your sabbatical pastor this winter. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know you, even in a short time.
I see so many blessings here.
- It’s been fun leading worship with such gifted musicians, Jan and Yevgenia, and working with this terrific choir.
- I’ve appreciated the helpful way that the Deacons partnered with me to lead worship; they were supportive and organized.
- I am indebted to Wendy for her graciousness, ease, and friendship.
- Judah has been so helpful.
- Sally is a wonderful Moderator, and her leadership has many ripple effects.
- Then all of you have greeted me with kindness, and made me feel so welcome.
Although Ken has been away, his fingerprints are all over this church — from the way you like each other to the commitment you have to your faith journey as individuals and as a congregation.
I travel to lots of churches, and this one is very special. It’s been a joy to be with you.
So, I am most grateful.
Susan