Nepal, Baltimore, Chile, and Bali. There is much pain in the news these days.
In regards to Baltimore, I know many people of good conscience trying to make sense of everything. I have also heard some comments that people have made that have made me cringe at the judgements and lack of listening. Instead of condemning, I encourage us to listen for the pain. Instead of easy answers, I encourage us to do some research to look for the complexity.
This prayer has served as a guide for me this week. Perhaps it will serve you, too.
May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for
justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer
from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may
reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that
you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able,
with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
