Photo by Joseph Corl on Unsplash
Originally posted by the author on her Instagram and republished here with permission.
we grieve
that our timelines
are filled
with lies
and sensationalized
imagery
of those we are
supposed to demonize
and hate
we grieve
that pastors
and Christian leaders
want dehumanization
over welcome and mercy
platform and engagement
over gentleness
power and influence
over Jesus
we grieve
that whole communities
and people groups
have it worse (much worse)
than others—
more death
less money
more bills
less support
more grief
less safety
more hate
less belonging
we grieve
that Jesus’ words
are used as weapons
a sword for the powerful
a beating stick for the bully
a prop for the wicked
we grieve
that darkness overcomes
our hearts
our minds
our bodies
and souls
bring
light
bring your Light
shine into our darkness
and bring us hope again
may your truth
be known
over all the earth—
that you reign with kindness
and goodness
welcoming all
to the full table
I received many messages yesterday of people feeling overwhelmed, heartbroken, and discouraged about this political season. I believe lamenting (and hoping) to be a practice where Jesus joins us in grieving and holding what we cannot hold. Nothing we name is an offense or burden to him. Nothing we name needs to be rushed to fix, but perhaps met with compassion, quietness, and space. I hope these words might name something helpful for you.
Jesus may feel silent, distant, or apathetic in these moments. I believe he invites us in those feelings too. And cries with you, “god, god, why are you so far away?”
