Weekly Reflection

Dear Friends,

On the day after every Presidential election, Pastors find themselves in a challenging position. Such is the nature of our nation’s current political system, that in the days and weeks immediately following the tallying of votes, about half of our populace feels a mixture of relief, hope, and perhaps even joy – some even are experiencing elation today. The other half of our populace feels a mixture of fear, dread, disappointment, and perhaps even despondency.

The challenge for Pastors is to meet each of those constituencies, and the people who are experiencing any or all of those feelings, exactly where they are, and to minister to their hearts and minds in ways that are authentically Christian.

For those who feel this morning hopeful for the future of their families and our nation and world, my prayers are, of course, that your hope does not lead to disappointment, and that the next steps in our nation are a cause for joy for all of God’s people, not just for those who are experiencing it today. And I pray that your efforts, and those of the incoming Administration, to bring about the changes you believe our nation needs, are firmly and consistently grounded in the two Great Commandments which I spoke with you about on Sunday. If we put first the call of Christ to love our God will all our heart and mind, and soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, all will be well.

For those who are struggling today with hopelessness, or fear, or despair, I offer the words of Isaiah:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

There’s a word in that verse, you don’t hear much anymore…dismayed. Dismayed means feeling distress or anxiety, typically at something unexpected. It also means to look around in terror. God is speaking with tenderness here, telling us not to look around as one might do in danger or in a state of alarm. God is telling us to instead be calm because God is here with us.

God’s hand is faithful and can be relied on. God is reminding us that God is faithful to all God’s promises, and loving toward all God has made.

The writer of the Letter to the Philippians reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

I do not take lightly the results of yesterday’s election, nor do I dismiss or condemn the emotional responses of anyone following this election. I understand that people’s lives and rights are on the line. I also see that there are millions of people who feel overlooked and invisible to our government, and who are desperate for something to change.

For all of us, I offer the words of L.R. Knost:

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.
All things break. And all things can be mended.
Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
The broken world awaits in darkness for the light that is you.

May we, each and all, be the salt and light that the Christ proclaims we are, for the world. May we each do what we can to continue to usher in the kin-dom of God, following in the ways of Jesus. And may God’s gracious will be done in all things. Amen.

With love and prayers,
Pastor Denise

Postscript: I am available to listen and to pray with and for anyone who desires to share their thoughts and feelings with me. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me in the coming days, via email at pastor@churchontherotary.org. I can meet with you in person, by phone, or by zoom.

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