Dear Friends,
It’s not the way I was hoping that we would begin our newyear. I was hoping for the lingering warmth of “season’s greetings” and the untainted hope of a fresh start as we try to figure out how we can best live together in peace and understanding. God knows just how much we need the unbridled idealism of daring to believe that we can help to make our world a better place!
But it wasn’t to be. Instead, our current news cycle has been co-opted, perhaps by design, by news of an invasion (“police action”) of Venezuela and the plan to “run thecountry,” at least, for a while. What happened to “peace on earth” and “good will to all?
The celebration of Christmas peace, hope, joy and love now seems like a fading memory. Suddenly, the smelling salts of reality have snapped us out of our Christmasreverie. Like it or not, we are forced to contend with the world as it is—not as we have dared to hope that it wouldbe.
You will have to pardon me, but I am not accustomed to witnessing this kind of blatant, unilateral action on thepart of my country. It has left me feeling frustrated, angry, disappointed and embarrassed. This is not who we are, and it is not what we stand for. Given the fact that congress was not even consulted about this venture, a strong case can be made to suggest that this action violates our Constitution—no matter how the perpetrators scramble to frame it and make it more palatable.
No, this is not the way that I was hoping to begin the New Year. But it is what it is, as they say, and I will not keep my head in the sand any longer. It is time to speak the truthand trust that the truth will, ultimately, prevail. While it may seem that the chances of that happening are growing dim, that will not be the case if enough people raise their voices in opposition. That is why I raise my voice and invite you to do the same.
As those who follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we are clearly called to refrain from violent aggression andwarfare as we work to promote understanding, respect and justice with all who are our neighbors, both local and global. Let us pray for the courage and the wisdom to do just that in the days that lie before us.
Grace & Peace,
Ron
Rev. Ron Dunn
*********************************************************************
A POETRY P.S.
This past Sunday, I suggested that choosing to read poetry for a month might be a good “micro-resolution” to makeas we move into the New Year. I believe poetry offers a creative incentive to think and to see the world and our lives from different angles and perspectives. Ultimately, I believe, it opens the door that enables us to betterunderstand ourselves and the world around us.
In light of that invitation, I would like to share a prayer poem that speaks about the emotional upheaval that many of us have experienced during this past week. It is by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (Pastor Steve), and it is entitled,“Outrage.”
Outrage
O Broken-Hearted One,
we cry out to you.
Our anguish overspills all speech;
our outrage escapes our words.
Yet you hear, for it is your own cry;
the pain and the sorrow are yours.
The powerful worship idols
of violence and lies.
They defy you in their golden palaces
and murder you in the streets before us.
We long for the justice you promise,
we yearn for the peace you offer us.
Enfold us in your righteousness,
so we are not swallowed up in their evil.
Do not let our outrage become mere rage,
do not let our resolve become resentment.
Still our hearts with your steady peace,
steel our nerves with your serene wisdom.
As we breathe the fumes of cruelty,
may our hearts be clear and merciful.
As shadows engulf us,
may we still be your light.
In a time of despair,
may we be alive with hope.
May we resist what is hurtful
and disrupt it with gentleness.
O Slain and Risen One,
fill us with your blessing,
send us with your love,
and accompany us with your courage.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve