
January 2021
This past year, and recent month even more so, have been especially challenging for just about everyone. Uncertainty from the global pandemic’s spread and roiling political tensions need not be repeated here as the shared unease is well known. Rather, my message is for a collective space to pause and forgive; as much ourselves for perceived failures as with our communities of interaction. Faith in God irrespective of belief tradition encourages attending to the spark of a birthright good. Those of the Christian tradition can turn to “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NSRV).
January is the month we recognize and honor the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A champion for civil freedoms who faced the ultimate sacrifice. Insistence on non-violent protest met with skepticism from his younger peers frustrated by reckoning with a system inherently against them. Fair and representative leadership was well outside the electoral norm. However, steadfast in his belief, Dr. King wrote in his final book Where Do We Go from Here, Chaos or Community? “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. The beauty of nonviolence is that in its own way and in its own time it seeks to break the chain reaction of evil.”
Water has been a repeating theme over the last few weeks, mostly about holding true during stormy weather. The interim minister at my church reminds us to “rest in God’s word” that “God is very much still at work in the midst of the storm.” Science also tells us the transformative properties of water are liquid, ice, and vapor. It can find its course along the smallest pathways and wear down the mightiest rock. It cleans, cools, and refreshes. Water begets life. Its significance to Biblical scripture is such that it is alone raised in Genesis 1:1 eight times, followed by nearly 700 times in subsequent chapters and verse (NSRV). Can it be water embodies the power of God? Yes!
Friends, airing personal thoughts in public is a new chapter for me but I am compelled to join other voices seeking commonality during these divisive times; but if there is ever a moment to come together, it is now. I respect we are each entitled to an opinion but not at the expense of another’s safety and rightful personhood. I found my way through religious study while advocating equity and inclusion. I side with hope you each find a unique path in service to forgiveness, light, and a refreshed spiritual connection.
Peace and blessings,
Christopher
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