 I don’t know about you, but I feel like 2020 just keeps throwing punches and I don’t know how many more I can take. This year has been unprecedented in so many ways, with a Global pandemic, historic number of fires and hurricanes/tropical storms around the world, and the growing political division in our country, where it feels we have lost the ability to see beyond differing opinions and treat one another with dignity, respect, and kindness. There is so much more that I am struggling to even find the words to express. Like the way we still treat those we label as “other” as though their lives do not matter, whether that be immigrants, indigenous peoples, or people of color. I find myself wanting to throw my hands up in the air and cry out “How long, O Lord, how long?” and “Kyrie eleison.” Not having many words beyond these to express all that I am feeling inside as things keep seeming to happen or come to light that deal another blow to my heart about our climate or how we treat each other as human beings. This past week I have been feeling this again after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last Friday. The weight of the loss of someone who championed fighting for justice and equality for so many marginalized groups of people. The wonderings of how we can follow in the footsteps of the notorious RBG and of John Lewis (a great leader for civil rights who died this year too), and continue to get into good trouble as we work for a tomorrow where we all treat one another with dignity, respect, and kindness. As all of these things were, and still are, swirling inside of me struggling to find the words to get out, I realized I was swimming in a pool of lament. Lament is a form of prayer that we find all throughout scripture, particularly in the book of Psalms, the book of Lamentations, and even in the words of Jesus on the cross “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” If you read through some of the Psalms of lament you will see that lament is not just about complaining or crying out to God.
Here is an example: Psalm 13 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Laments tend to have four core pieces, those being: Addressing God, Raising the Complaint, Asking God for help, and Choosing Trust. What I find helpful about these core pieces of lament is that they remind us that God is big enough to handle all of our complaints, questions, anger, and frustrations no matter how big they may feel to us. Second, that we are invited to hope in God’s promise to hear us when we ask for help, though God’s answer often looks different than we think it should. And lastly the cycle of a lament moves us to remember that even as we navigate the brokenness of life that God is there with us through it all. Trusting in the promise that God remembers us and abides with us always. This cycle comes to us in the psalms, but is also something we can use to pray or to help process our own feelings and experiences. If you look I am sure you will see this cycle show up in music and poetry, and in other places too where others have used it to express what is on their hearts. Whether you find a psalm that speaks to what you are feeling or you use the cycle of lament to write out what is on your heart, I pray that you can use this form of prayer to raise your cry of lament, and to connect deeper with yourself and with God. Blessings, Sara
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God isn't reducible. Love doesn't come in limited quantities. Faith isn't a system, code, or set of behaviors. Pastor Dave wraps up the parable of the vineyard workers here. A look at the Sacrament of Baptism. How does God work through it, how do we participate, and what does it really do? Ep. 89 - Cue the Church Lady! Could today's topic be...hmmmm... SATAN??? In Part 1 of an extended character study, Justin and Dave examine the Biblical personification of evil from garden roots through the Gospels. Who is the devil and how does he operate? Don't miss it! The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com! Ep. 88 - Justin and Dave talk about how faith has informed (and sometimes challenged) their parenting, and how having children has changed their perspective of God. The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com! How do you know when your faith assumptions need to be re-examined? Pastor Dave shares two easy clues in our very first "Thursday Thoughts" segment! Ep. 87 - Justin and Dave talk about experiences with funerals, plus how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the reality of your own death. It's not macabre, it's your job! The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com! Ep. 86 - Justin returns and talks about how paternity leave changed his perspective on COVID-19 and the church. How do our assumptions about faith empower (or inhibit) our response to the world? The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com!  You may be wondering how these two words go together. Sweat and Respite are not things that you would typically think of as going together. But for me they are. There is something about doing some good hard work, getting dirty and tired, that while sometimes physically exhausting is at the same time fulfilling. Now this could all be because I am a farm kid and working hard brings me a piece of home and memories around the farm with my dad. But I think that it goes to something deeper. There is lots of research that has shown how exercise releases certain endorphins that can help relieve stress. Exercise can also help raise serotonin levels bosting overall well-being and your helping sleep cycles. There are many benefits to mental and not just physical health through exercise. This summer I had the opportunity to volunteer up at Luther Heights multiple times, helping with all sorts of projects, from replacing rotten bench supports to oiling Sawtooth Lodge. But one thing that I was grateful for each time was the ability to work hard in (distanced) community. Most volunteers came up to camp with the dual purpose of doing some projects to help camp while also getting some respite time in the mountains away from the hustle and bustle of the chaos of life right now. This balance of work and respite looks different for all of us, and for me right now work projects are a source of respite. A chance to just do and not have to think so much. A change away from what my day to day life consists of these days. But also a connection to my past and a core piece of who I am. I am sure part of why it gives me a sense of respite now is that I don’t get to do too much physical labor these days. When I think back to the summer my dad brother and I pulled milkweed out of a hay field, hard work wasn’t respite for me then. But now it is something that can bring me that respite because it is not part of my daily life. This is why the balance of work and respite, they style of self-care, looks different for all of us. We are all in different places in our journey and along that journey there are different things and activities that fill us. You may be reading this and thinking how can working hard and sweating be respite? I just want to sit and read a book or I just want to do my yoga practice. And that’s just it. Working hard won’t necessarily always be something that brings a sense of respite and but in this pace and time it is. Something may only be life giving to us for a time, and that is okay. The important thing is to recognize what things are life giving to us right now. What things can we do today, or this week that will help fill our cup, so that when we are called upon we have something to give to others.
What things or activities are life giving to you? When was the last time you did something to help fill your cup? Think about these things and see if you can start to work into your schedule a few of the things that help bring you respite. It is important to know what is filling and what is draining for you. I pray that you can take time to do something to help bring you some peace and respite today. Blessings, Sara  Help stock the NEW Little Free Pantry at SOV with non-perishable food on Sunday, September 13th between 11:00 – 1:00pm. Come see the Little Free Pantry and bring a donation of food or other supplies listed below. Just drive up to the main entrance (south end) between 11:00 – 1:00pm drop off donations. Tables will be provided where you place your donations and social distancing practiced. Please share this event with your neighbors.
Suggested Pantry items: Peanut butter, Cans of soup, fruit, vegetables, stew, fish, beans, granola bars, dry pasta, Mac & Cheese, Crackers, Cereal or rice. Please no glass containers. Any non-perishable item you enjoy buying and share with the pantry. Please bring food that hasn’t reached its “sell-by” date. Toilet paper and female hygiene products are also appreciated. Questions contact Vivian Parrish 208 362-9579 or Sara Manning 208-362-1112 |