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The following letter was emailed to our GRR clergy last week from our Regional Minister. It has been suggested that a wider audience may also appreciate Alison's words.
My dear friends,
I am taking a deep breath of God's peace for EACH of you as you serve your specific communities in these trying times. From the tragic death of Nicole Good in Minneapolis at the hands of ICE, to the devastating fire intentionally set to destroy the synagogue, Beth Israel, in Jackson, MS, to the ongoing injustices with which we are confronted on a daily basis, it is no wonder that we are tired.
This past weekend, Ronny Nowell and I witnessed the physical, forceful removal of a homeless person from a downtown Little Rock establishment. To say that evil exists in large - and almost imperceivable ways - is an understatement. There is so much to grieve in our hearts these days...so much so, that if we are not grieving...we are not paying attention!
Coming off the spiritual high with which the Advent and Christmas seasons blessed us, I personally feel ill-prepared to confront the sin and darkness of this world. Could we not just bask in the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christ child...just a little while longer? Apparently not. It is simply time to put those verbs into action!
As faithful followers of the Living Christ, we are not given the luxury of sitting on the sidelines. Christ calls us to be truth, light & hope-bearers for those either hiding in the darkness or being overcome by the gray shadows of that which seeks to kill...both body and spirit. And so, let us re-commit ourselves to shining the light of Christ into this suffering world!
Let us hold the communities of Minneapolis, MN and Jackson, MS in our continuous prayers as they seek to heal from tragic death and destruction. Let us use our voices to remind the world that "loving our neighbors as ourselves" is not just a cliche, but a DIRECTIVE! Let us take a deep breath of God's peace, that we may re-center ourselves...focus on the loving sacrifice of Christ...and be renewed to continue our faithful journeys to share the light and love of the One who calls us all beloved.
I offer this poem by Nikita Gill for a moment of reflection:
The rage you are feeling
Comes from the same place
Inside your heart as the love.
This is why you refuse to accept
A world where cruelty reigns
And the fire consumes all.
You have known hope
And joy and kindness
Like you have known water.
And justice is a river
That demands
You do not give up on it.
Be good to yourselves, Disciples...and as always, be a blessing!
With deep love and unending prayers,
Alison
P.S. If the spirit leads you to offer support to Beth Israel, donations may be made on their website: bethisraelms.org
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