As I head into the 2019 special session of General Conference, I’m praying that we can create an environment where we are not at war with each other. That delegates haven’t made up their minds before even walking in the door. That we consider the impact of our words before speaking. That in those precious few days we can take off our blinders, unclench our fists, listen to the needs and fears of others with openness and curiosity, and see the Holy Spirit at work.
The words of St. Francis seem especially important and will guide me while I’m there:
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console
to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Amen
Whatever happens, we are the church, and the Lord will be with us.