BE STILL
For a Time Like This
Over the last 6 months we have heard our elected leaders, political commentators, and others refer to this time as unprecedented. And so it is. We are in a time between what we have known and what is to come. Such a time can be very unsettling, disorienting, and anxiety-provoking. I don’t know about you but I have had a range of emotions and feelings from fear and anxiety about my health and the health of those significant to me; to anger and despair over the lack of concern of some for the welfare of others; to a sense of resignation that there is not much I can do other than try to keep myself safe; to gratitude for those on the frontlines of healthcare, essential services, and nonviolent action for justice; to hope for the possibilities of inclusion, equity, and justice for all. The positive feelings of gratitude and hope help to lighten the burden of the negative emotions and feelings. But when caught in one of the negative emotions or feelings, what can be done? For me, the answer lies in trusting in God’s presence, love, and grace, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12: 9) and that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8: 28). This is expressed beautifully in a poem by Denise Levertov, a 20th century American poet, entitled “The Avowal”. (1) In a few short verses Levertov takes us to these deep eternal truths of God’s presence, love, and grace. During this time of change and uncertainty and unrest, see how this poem speaks to you. As swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bears them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them, so would I learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace.
