NOW WHAT?
Well, two songs came to mind after I learned the results of this election. One was "You can't always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones. We didn't sing it in church. But one Sunday I heard a frustrated dad singing it to a couple of his kids in the church parking lot. And I suspect that many who are disappointed in the results of this election don't feel like singing anything, especially after not getting what they wanted. Or, perhaps, prayed for. Me, too.
But about the other song? Well, we did sing it in the Baptist church where I grew up. It was the hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Not one of my favorites back then, but one I lean into more that I'm old and leaning comes more naturally. It states in verse three. "What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!" Well, it feels like there's a lot to fear and dread based on threats and promises made by the man chosen to lead this country. So now what?
Well, we have some choice moments ahead of us. We get to choose the words that we speak, read and listen to. Are they part of the problem or the solution? Do they nourish mind and spirit? And the Church gets to choose and reassess ways it mirrors culture instead of modeling a better way. And elected officials have the opportunity and responsibility to work for the people, instead of themselves or their party. Why? We,the people, and the rest of the world are watching.
So, this morning's reading from Philip Yancey's Grace Notes is what I pray we, as followers of Jesus, and part of the church in the USA will reflect in the days ahead. Yancey challenged the church to be a window, not a mirror. How so? "A mirror reflects back the society around it...a window reveals a different way." Here are two ways we, who are the church alive, can be a window, according to Yancey. " If the world demands retribution, the church dispenses grace. If the world splinters into factions, the church joins together in unity."
So, despite disappointment or dreads, we have a holy opportunity to be bridge builders, uniters, and curiosity seekers. Curious about what? About each other, especially those with whom we disagree. Can we find common ground? And no matter how people voted in this election, I believe most of us want a fresh start. We are weary of the hate and mean-spirited talk.
Well, I'm confident those everlasting arms of Jesus are reaching out in both directions. Right and left to draw us to Him, as well as to each other. And in days ahead, we may be called on to protect immigrants. And to hold accountable those we chose to uphold laws and the constitution. But, for sure, we will need to take a look at how we're leaning. And on whom, as well as on what we're learning, and from what sources?
So, dear hearts, no matter how you voted, I'm grateful we're still family, friends, neighbors and citizens of this country. Although, part of me is tempted to move to Norway! None of us are flawless. We all need do-overs, second chances. Lets offer that to each other. And let Grace be the dialect by which others know we are followers of Christ. After all, we are G L S FULL people, more than we may realize at this moment.
So take a deep breath and inhale hope. Then exhale fear. But don't stop praying. Prayer matters. And say aloud this blessing I read today in a book of blessings given to me by my friend, Lillian. It's from, The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie.
"Blessed are we, turning our eyes ahead towards a new path not yet mapped. God, give us courage to take this next step, and enough for the one after that, too. Remind us that you have gone before, and behind, and around, and are with us now. In our leaving, in our arriving, in our changes, expected or shocking, surprise us with who we might become."(p.183)
And lastly, "Blessed are we who admit: 'God I'm afraid.' Blessed are we who confess: 'I don't know how to stop this spin cycle of worry.' You know our anxious minds... And you promise us your presence...So, for now, may I inhale and exhale your presence. Inhale: for our God, then Exhale: is closer than air." ( pgs 134-135)
So, now what? Lean in to learn from those with whom we disagree. And then, lean on Jesus. Like I said, those everlasting arms reach left and right to draw us together. Love does that. And we can, too.
30 Comments
Jan: Thank you for this comforting and encouraging word. A song from our Sunday service: "He will hold me fast". Love you so much for your kind and gentle spirit. Suzy
I love that song, too, dear Suzy. But I love you and David more, and your family. We need each other. And that's why so much comes to divide us. We fear the wrong enemy.
Thank you, Jan. I needed this today! xoxo
Me, too, dear Heidi. It's a sad day but hope we must, because our hope is not in a political system or person. It is in Jesus.
Love you so much!
And I love you, dear Marla, and your precious family. It is an important time for us to consider our ways and who and what we really worship. Strength wisdom and peace to you and Rich, as you do the good work God's called you to.
Again... I say, God's in control and will restore our Joy in Him.
Well, JOY is to be one of the marks of God's Spirit alive and well within us. And the JOY of the Lord is our strength, dear Shelly. It is good to rest in the truth that God is in control and God's term doesn't depend on the electoral college or our vote.
At 70 I am heartsick right now, and am reeling; feeling everything I have believed in our constitution has been taken away in one fell swoop.
I am praying for faith, calm and peace.
Never have I felt such fear.
What you shared with us all today is beautiful and very brave.
Thank You Jan for your inspiring thoughts.
Please say a prayer for me.
Well, dear Nicholas, I'm meeting you for the first time, I think, on this blog site today. And I've just prayed for God's peace to reassure you that all will be well. It is a troubling time but I take hope and courage from the truth that God is not wringing His hands and sweating over the outcome of this election. So we need not either. But it is wise to learn from this and to guard our hearts and minds. And to pray for the leadership in this country and elsewhere. Not my idea. God's.
Hey Nick and Jayne, thinking of you both as we all navigate the road ahead of us. Jan has never failed to provide the wisdom I need to hear.
Jan, your words have been a tremendous comfort and reminder to me in the past week. Thank you, thank you.
Woohoo, Karen!! How encouraging to see your name show up. Well, I'm grateful you've received comfort from some words sent from my heart to yours. It's easy to look around and cave into fear. But when I read God's words, take a deep breath, and look back over my history with God, I inhale HOPE, trust and courage to "faith" whatever is ahead. One day at a time. Hugs to you and Jeff.
Thank you and God bless you.
Well dear Donna, you double blessed me. Thank you. And may God show up and encourage you to "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Thank you and God bless you.
And may God bless you. Thanks for the double blessing, dear Donna. I've repeated myself before when responding on a blog. It's easy to do.
GOD IS IN CONTROL - HIS WILL BE DONE.
Yes, dear Evie. God is in control, but sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Which is why, faith isn't about how I feel.
Dear Jan, You always say what we need to hear in these trying and troubled times. Reminding us all that God is in charge so all we need do is breathe in and out and Lean on the Everlasting Arms!
Of course, this is always easier said than done but with the help of God’s Grace we will take each day as it comes. Thank you!
Well dear Jill, you've got that right. It's easier to write and say, than to live out what we say we believe. One day at a time. And within each day it's moment by moment. Keep trusting, praying and looking for ways to bridge the gaps. We need each other.
My Bible verses for yesterday helped me to lift my eyes away from me:
" The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord!" [Thanks, Job, that's some perspective!]
" I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help..." [Most translations are the simple declarative, "I lift..." But here Ye Olde King James clarifies, in my mind, that I must determine, I must intentionally peel my eyes from self and earthly things and lift them up to the Divine hills. I can tell people that this helps remind me that my faith is in something bigger than myself, stronger than myself, outside of me, pre existent, etc.]
Thanks, dear David. Yes, God's words helped me yesterday and continue today to encourage and challenge me. Like, Psalm 56:3 (written by another David, who had plenty to fear.)"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." And I make deliberate choices to dwell on words that infuse me with hope. When feeling overwhelmed with the words of others and tempted to despair I choose God's words. "Yet I still dare to HOPE when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Better than fresh orange juice each morning is God's fresh mercy, reminders of his faithfulness, and a scrambled egg with a slice of Dave's whole-wheat bread toasted, buttered and spread with strawberry jam. May your day be blessed with reminders of God's faithful love and care for you and your family, dear David. As to our country, it's time to sing and trust, "He's got the whole world in His hands."
Jan, sound biblical advice as always. I ty never to disagree with others and never with Jesus who advised us not to think more highly of ourselves compared to others. God is sovereign and I believe He places leaders in place at times to keep us humble and at other times to make us humble. There is only one king and that is King Jesus. Blessings, Dale
Thanks, my dear brother and friend. I like recalling my grandmother when times were tough and life seemed to be spinning out of control. She prayed and remained calm. Then with a smile that comes from one with confidence in Jesus would say, " I vonder how Yesus vill vork dis all out." And looking back, I see God's faithfulness, protection and tender mercies. So keep watch.
I read this a few days ago, but was with Sherri and family and didn't get to comment. It comforted me thought, and again today as I re-read it. So many good things to ponder, thank you Jan!
comforted me THOUGH not thought :)
Me, too, dear Wendy. I've read it more than once. And I've appreciated the responses of those who read the post and commented to me on line, in person or through other means. We're in this together, no matter which way we voted. And Jesus and saints above and below are praying for us, this country and the world. So fear not.
Jan, in my household we were heartsick as well when we woke up to the news last Wednesday morning. Not because we were favoring the other candidate but because, as the Pope advised, we chose the lesser of two evils - the one we felt would at least uphold the rule of law and the fabric of the Constitution. And that candidate did not win. We may not know what to do, but our eyes are on the One who does. Thank you for speaking for so many of us.
Well, dear Maggie, as my Mama's friend, Lene, used to say, "It can't be all bad if it makes us fall on our knees and cry to Jesus for help." It does calm my fears when I hit pause, then sing and "Turn (my) eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."