It's Lent

We continue to let the melody, music of hymns guide us this Lent.  Lean in and listen to the second verse of "God of Grace and God of Glory":

Lo! the hosts of evil round us

scorn the Christ, assail his ways!

From the fears that long have bound us

free our hearts to faith and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage

for the living of these days,

for the living of these days.

So, I get it if your first response to this verse is, "Gee, thanks for that, Eeyore. Next you are going to tell me how using my cell phone can cause cancer.  I get that watching cat videos on YouTube is way more enjoyable way to spend your time.

Yet, in the world we inhabit, rather than being cynical and sarcastic...perhaps we could be more confessional.  Rather than shrugging our shoulders and staying silent on the sidelines, could we all start by saying that we don't get it right.  I don't have all the answers.  There are evils around us and within us.  Evils that cause me to lose my temper and say things I regret.  Evils of systemic racism, sexism, and homophobia that have persisted for generations.  Evils that overshadow God's love leaving us to seek, search for only traces of God's grace.  

So many of our evils are founded...as the verse says...by fear!  Fear of the other.  Fear of those people.  Fear of people who vote that way.  Fear that we won't get our way.  Fear that someone else will make more money and have a better life.  The tragic irony is that fear is perhaps the one things that unites us...and could be the one thing that could save us.  Save us, not because we fear God, but because in confessing - naming - noticing our fear we might actually begin to be vulnerable enough to - wait for it - gulp - talk about it!  

The brilliant theologian Ruby Sales asks, "Where does it hurt?"  That isn't just a medical question, it is a theological one.  

Where does it hurt for you today?

Where are fears casting shadows around you?

I believe it is only when we are willing to name our wounds/wants that we begin to free ourselves for prayer and praise.  But, there are not many places or safe spaces to do this.  Unfortunately, the church doesn't have a great reputation for this either.  You confess brokenness to a pastor and perhaps are told to just say this prayer - like some topical ointment that cures all that ails you - and go sin no more.  Or guilt rains down, which is totally not helpful when you feel vulnerable.  Words spoken over you won't cure the wounds.  Wounds heal from the inside out.  Wounds heal when they are spoken aloud from within you to another who listen - no fixing and no saving and no advising.  

Where does it hurt for you today?

Where are fears casting shadows within you?

I pray as you hold these questions, you will re-listen to the hymn...let the words of this hymn be a companion to you in these Lenten days.  And my there be traces of God's grace that offer you healing in this holy time.  

Grace and peace ~~