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Such a Time as This

It is safe to assume that anyone over 30 years old remembers exactly where they were on September 11, 2001. Those younger may not fully remember, but they will have been affected in some way.

We have sent young people to fight a war that began when they were in utero or merely toddlers. What have we learned in the twenty years since the day when the United States of America was attacked? Have we learned how to get along with our neighbors? Have we learned that fighting in a country not our own keeps us safe, regardless of the devastating toll war takes on the “other?” Have we tried to understand how we might co-exist and co-create in this amazing world God made for all God’s beloved children? And when I say “all,”I mean all who are born upon this earth.

I think God cries. I think Jesus paces and prays. I think the Christ Spirit so desperately wants to emerge from the hearts of everyone, especially those who try to suppress the Spirit within themselves.

I also think God is raising up people who are willing to step up and cry out that we can do better. We can become the people God creates us to be and live into beloved community. We must look beyond the division and vitriol to see the deep place of fear that drives people to react in violent and hate-filled ways; or blissfully ignore what goes on around them; or withdraw into themselves with hopelessness. We must learn to be present to one another, listen to each other, tell our stories, and find ways to co-exist and work together on this planet called Earth. It is as simple and as difficult as that.

In Ephesians 6:10-16, we are told to put on the full armor of God. I think we also need to put on compassionate perspective so we may see more clearly beyond our biases and fears. It’s not easy in such a time as this. Yet, I believe it is an imperative call to try even harder to live out the commandment to love God, neighbor, and self.

Valarie Kaur, a filmmaker, activist, attorney and author from the Sikh faith tradition, writes, “The future is dark. What if this is not the darkness of the tomb – but the darkness of the womb? What if this is our greatest transition?” (See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love)

Kaur grounds her actions on the firm beliefs of her faith when she says:

“The greatest social reformers in history—Gandhi, Mandela, King—rooted entire social movements in the ethic of love. It’s time to reclaim love today but this time through a feminist lens. I believe that love is sweet labor—fierce, bloody, imperfect, and life-giving. Revolutionary Love is the choice to enter into labor for others, our opponents and ourselves.” “Breathe—push—repeat.” (See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love)

Like Esther, we are being called for such a time as this: called to step out in faith and love. It is risky. It is hard. It is imperative as good ancestors if we want to see a future of peace and hope for our children, grandchildren, and generations to follow.

As we reflect on 9/11 and the past twenty years, may we mourn appropriately. Then may we commit ourselves to working together to live into beloved community, God’s “kin”-dom on earth as God intends it to be.

Blessings,
Donna

A Lament

Twenty years and what have we learned, God?  September 11, 2001, the American façade of peace and prosperity was shattered. We conveniently have failed to remember this land is built upon the blood of many peoples slaughtered from the beginning of its discovery. Native peoples who were here before white men set foot on the soil of what is now known as the good ‘ole U. S. of A.  Black and Brown peoples captured, bought and sold as chattel.

God, what will it take for us to learn we are all your children, all created in Your image, all given the breath of life by Your very own breath?

Help us, help me, to pay attention, to listen and learn from one another. Help us, me, to respond with the unconditional loving mercy of Christ.  May we all come to know Your Divine Presence in ourselves and in one another.

Oh, God, help us bear witness to the promise of your merciful justice and peace. Amen.