November 9, 2018
It's become something of a cliché to say "the country is divided," or "people and politics is more polarized than ever."
While those statements may be true, there are other, less headline-grabbing truths.
And those are the truths that Rich Harwood (the facilitator of an interfaith clergy group I belong to) reminds us of:
-People are in search of ways to come together.
-People are tired of the current state of affairs, no matter who they voted for in 2016 or in Tuesday's midterms.
-People know the challenges we face today will not be erased by this or any other future election.
-People feel disconnected, pushed out, and impotent, but this does NOT mean they are apathetic about politics or public life.
-In fact, more people than ever are looking for ways to make their communities and this nation better.
-Above all, people are asking this question: "what will it take to build a more hopeful society, and what kind of leadership do we need to move us forward?"
Here's the thing: along with public libraries, local schools, and local governments, the church -- local faith communities -- may well provide the most promising results in the years to come.
It is in those places that we bring people together and demonstrate that we can transcend our differences.
Hope-filled change does not end there. But it sure starts there.
As your Junior Warden Maury Wray says in her ministry minute, "The Falls Church gives me hope because as fearful as I may be about the direction of our country and our world, I know that this community is about love. Not just love, but understanding, compassion, inclusion, tolerance, open arms, generosity, respect for difference, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude, justice, and humility. These values, the lessons of the Gospels, the leadership of the church, and the supportive congregation (and more!) give me comfort and hope knowing that I am part of a community that consciously works for a better world."
See you Sunday,
John