Tender Mercy

As I write this, I am emotionally exhausted. What a week. As I watched and heard the plethora of anger and injustice in so many areas of life this week, I, too, felt deep anger, frustration, and indignation. I heard this week a story of sexism in the workplace, another story of manipulation and arrogance, and the final story of violent insurrection cheered on and incited by our President - a man who claims to be Christian. I have been moved to voice my own frustration and bitterness (not something I’m comfortable with:) and to cry to God “what are we to do!?” My prayer time has been my saving grace, because it is there I have been able to “dump” all my feelings and frustrations. It has also been graced by the repeated tenderness and mercy of a God who is by my side, forgiving my trespasses as I’m trying my best to forgive others.

I think Jesus did a great job of telling us what we are to do. “Love God, love one another as I love you.” John 13:34 How do we do this? We must feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, offer drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, comfort the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead. The corporal works of mercy give us clear direction.

I believe with all my heart, soul, and mind, that change begins from the bottom up. Change starts with us. If we chose to live out mercy in every task, the world will change. When we focus on the next just action, the world will change. When we find the courage to lead by example, the world will change. When we walk humbly with our God, and seek God’s will instead of our own, the world will change.

We are a blessed and gifted people. We are beloved and have hope. Our stories show that we are courageous, smart, compassionate and intuitive. We have much to offer and much work to do. Not everyone has access to the basic needs of life - physically, emotionally, spiritually. We can help. We are called by God to help. The good news is we don’t have to do it alone. We have this community, this loving Creator, this Spirit of inspiration living within us. My dear brothers and sisters, there is no greater time or need for our imaginations than now. The world needs to change, let’s help it along.

Rev. Joan