It is not our differences that divide us.
It is our ability to recognize, accept, and
celebrate those differences.
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-Audre Lorde, self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet”
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Over the summer months, we were extended the invitation to have our ears attuned- particularly to the voices of those on the margins of our society. We were invited to listen for the voices of those struggling to be seen and heard, those yearning for justice and scanning the horizons for signs of hope- for a better future for themselves, for their children, for their children’s children.
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Even as we ourselves struggled with the extraordinary challenges, changes, anxieties and fears of living, working, playing and ministering creatively and faithfully through a global pandemic, we have been listening.
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With the heartbreaking stories of those who participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission still ringing in our ears, and the reaffirmation of our commitment to being a publicly, intentionally and explicitly affirming ministry with the LGBTQ2S+ community still fresh on our minds; the Black Lives Matter Movement exploded into our world, piercing our consciousness and our hearts with incredible power, poignancy and urgency.
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In the midst of it all, on a Friday morning, a small group of us gathered via Zoom, and meditated on the words, “Be still and know that I am God.” “Be still and know that I am.” “Be still and know.” “Be still.” “Be.” As these words ministered to us in our deepening prayer, they resonated with our yearning for stillness, for calm, for Holy Presence, and the assurance that comes when we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles—that we are not God.
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This outward and inward listening are both vital as we continue to find our way ahead as a people of faith, hope, love and justice.
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May the Spirit guide us as we continue our journey of learning and living into what it means to stand in solidarity as true allies with those too often left behind on the margins of our world. May we continue to listen for the voice of God sounding through the peoples’ voices, woven through scriptures, whispering through writings both ancient and new, and rising up from depths of our souls in song, in prayer and in faithful action. May we remember to take the time to nurture our own souls, and to care for ourselves and one another…to share our stories, laugh, pray, and raise our voices in song (even if it’s virtually!)...that we may love and serve the world from cups overflowing with Spirit’s wisdom, compassion, and power.
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Warmest Blessings,
Rev. Debra