I need to write the memo this morning…Wednesday morning, not only because tomorrow morning something is going on at church, but also because something happened on Tuesday night. Like many, I am beyond surprised by the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. And, like other times when the world and my life really surprise me, I don’ t know what to say or think. Some who know me may find this hard to believe, but when I don’t know what to say or think, especially when the news frightens or saddens me, I get very quiet and introverted.
I’m sharing this with you because it’s important today to recognize that everyone is receiving this surprise differently and we cannot predict just how deeply any one of us is moved. Some of us are grieving today. Some of us are elated. So whether you are sad and afraid or elated and hope-filled, let’s be gentle with each other, especially with those who are feeling differently than we might be anticipating. Giving everyone some time to gather perspective is a gracious and generous act.
Having said that, I do believe that those who are like me and need some time just to be with our thoughts and feelings also need some word so that we do not remain in our cocoons for very long. I’ve been listening for that word with anxious ears. So to those who are hope-filled today, please grant me the moment to offer some words to those who are not.
Here are a few things I’ve received today.
“Almighty God, you hold all the powers of the universe within your hands, and we are your children. Turn us to the splendor of life in you, transforming us through Jesus Christ our Savior, and strengthening us in every good deed and word. Amen.” Excerpt From “A Disciple’s Journal 2016.
“I’m….. looking at my immediate surroundings which are the same as yesterday. And God enters the world through all of us.”
…We must pray that our better angel selves will emerge. Our better angel selves work for justice with love for all in speech and action in spite of our hurt and fear. Let us give witness to the best of our nation's tradition and values as well as our faith. (Bishop Sally Dyck … Northern IL. Conf.)
…I love you papa…
These words both comfort me and call me out of my cocoon, trusting a perspective beyond politics. The first is a prayer offered by a friend; it reminds me that we all are indeed God’s children. The second is a perspective that reminds me that everyday life goes on and God works on, whether I am elated or devastated. The third reminds me of Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural where he too called upon the “better angels of our nature,” in a challenging time. The last was the first message on my phone this morning. It’s from my daughter and a word sent, on purpose, to bless and comfort me when she suspected I needed it.
If you needed it, I hope one of these words I’ve shared also spoke to you. If you are elated today, I hope these words did not offend. Watch for what word God is sending just for you as we move forward together as a country and a church: watch for that WORD made flesh we know as Jesus.
May God’s Peace and Christ’s purpose be made real in all of us. Amen.
Pastor Dan
I’m sharing this with you because it’s important today to recognize that everyone is receiving this surprise differently and we cannot predict just how deeply any one of us is moved. Some of us are grieving today. Some of us are elated. So whether you are sad and afraid or elated and hope-filled, let’s be gentle with each other, especially with those who are feeling differently than we might be anticipating. Giving everyone some time to gather perspective is a gracious and generous act.
Having said that, I do believe that those who are like me and need some time just to be with our thoughts and feelings also need some word so that we do not remain in our cocoons for very long. I’ve been listening for that word with anxious ears. So to those who are hope-filled today, please grant me the moment to offer some words to those who are not.
Here are a few things I’ve received today.
“Almighty God, you hold all the powers of the universe within your hands, and we are your children. Turn us to the splendor of life in you, transforming us through Jesus Christ our Savior, and strengthening us in every good deed and word. Amen.” Excerpt From “A Disciple’s Journal 2016.
“I’m….. looking at my immediate surroundings which are the same as yesterday. And God enters the world through all of us.”
…We must pray that our better angel selves will emerge. Our better angel selves work for justice with love for all in speech and action in spite of our hurt and fear. Let us give witness to the best of our nation's tradition and values as well as our faith. (Bishop Sally Dyck … Northern IL. Conf.)
…I love you papa…
These words both comfort me and call me out of my cocoon, trusting a perspective beyond politics. The first is a prayer offered by a friend; it reminds me that we all are indeed God’s children. The second is a perspective that reminds me that everyday life goes on and God works on, whether I am elated or devastated. The third reminds me of Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural where he too called upon the “better angels of our nature,” in a challenging time. The last was the first message on my phone this morning. It’s from my daughter and a word sent, on purpose, to bless and comfort me when she suspected I needed it.
If you needed it, I hope one of these words I’ve shared also spoke to you. If you are elated today, I hope these words did not offend. Watch for what word God is sending just for you as we move forward together as a country and a church: watch for that WORD made flesh we know as Jesus.
May God’s Peace and Christ’s purpose be made real in all of us. Amen.
Pastor Dan
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