Friday, January 27, 2017

The Beatitudes

Last week when I wrote my post, I was unaware that Micah 6:8 was a part of this week's lectionary readings.  Along with Micah are the prophetic words of Jesus commonly known as The Beatitudes.  The word is from the Latin beatus, meaning "blessed," and each of the Beatitudes begins with the word blessed.  These nine blessings are a part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches and preaches about living lives of faithful witness.  In the midst of all that is happening in the world right now and in my life specifically, it is helpful to be reminded of the characteristics that bring about blessing in the world and in my life.  To be meek, pure of heart, and a peacemaker  to me means that I need to put the needs of others before my own.  To try and put myself in the shoes of someone else before I begin to judge or begin to speak.  This way of blessing encourages me to seek out the best in everyone and to be a blessing to others in Jesus name.  May we all try to be a blessing in the world - a blessing for all to see and come to know the love of God.  

Friday, January 20, 2017

Women's March

Vision and Mission for the Women's March:

  We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.   

      Today I have been preparing to travel to Washington DC.  As I do i have been listening to NPR and reading a wide variety of opinions regarding the Women's March.  This all led me to take sometime in prayer this morning to clarify my intentions.  My intention as I participate in this act of holy resistance is to use my place of power and privilege in ways that call for justice and compassion for all God's children.  I am keenly aware that it is a place of white privilege that affords me the ability to attend.  I also feel empowered by the Gospel to be courageous enough to let my life speak for the story of compassion that Jesus embodies.
      Currently, I overwhelmingly hear voices that lack compassion for the vulnerable and feel a sense of fear that leads to scapegoating as a way of regaining a loss of power.   This fear combined with a lack of compassion makes people behave in unjust ways.  Jesus story is one that claims that love casts our fear and as a follower of Jesus I seek to stand in the place of compassion and justice as Jesus did many times over.  He stood with the most vulnerable, called out the politics of power and privilege, and cried out for justice for all God's children.
       Tonight as I board the bus with women from my congregation, I will remember my intention.  Tomorrow as I listen and walk i will remember my intention.  As I make decisions and life choices I will remember these intentions for this journey and the courageous one ahead.  May the God who calls us all beloved guide us as we all make choices based on our own intentions and may those intentions mirror the compassion of Jesus in the world.





Wednesday, January 4, 2017

New Year, Same Promises!


"New Year, new you":  this is the message that we receive this time of the year.  We often respond by making resolutions and promises to change aspects of our lives.  Promises that we often do not keep that lead to feelings of guilt.   As a child of God I know that the promises I make and inevitably break, as I do not exercise quite enough, do not define who I am.  It is indeed the promises of God that define me and help me live into a new year of new hopes and dreams.  God promises guidance and wisdom for all who seek it; God promises saving grace that restores us to the way that leads to life; God promises a different way in the world one of justice and compassion.  As embark upon the journey into 2017 may we do so focussing on the promises of God that are steadfast and life giving.