This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a two-day convening and launch of a new collaborative network being built in Ohio to address the broad topic of violence and in particular political violence. While I’m happy to say that LOVEboldly is a founding member of that network, our work is just beginning and even the ultimate scope of the work is still being defined. As I spent Friday and Saturday discussing and collaborating with a group of state leaders, the conclusion many of us arrived at was the real threat before us was fear. At least for us, that was fear of the unknown. What will happen during the March primaries? The lead up to the November elections? The election itself? The aftermath of that election? The inauguration?
Many verses in scripture address fear, but many others address hope. In Luke 1:78-79, the priest Zachariah says, “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” His statement draws on a passage from the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In times of uncertainty and fear of what will come, we are reminded that good will eventually come as well.
Friends, this work is hard and no matter how we engage or to what level we engage, it can often take more from us than we were prepared to give. Yet, I was reminded this week that hope and good is mixed in with the fear and the unknown.
What are the unknowns about which you are fearful?
Let us pray: Jesus, you have been afraid, and you have felt the fear of not knowing what may be next. Comfort us sweet Lord with your grace and enable us to move through the unknown and still respond to all our beloved siblings. We ask this in your name. Amen.
Blessings on your weeks, my friends. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Faithfully,
Ben