Fearless Faith

I found myself in the most unusual place today, the ninth Sunday since March 14 that we have not gathered face-to-face at the church building. By noon, I was thoroughly at a loss as to what to share in that regard, so I did the only reasonable thing in the moment and climbed on the mower, the place where I mentally compose, then transfer to paper sometime later. Lest you take me to task for working on a Sunday, there is a healing aspect to mowing, part mental, part physical, and my occasionally belligerent back is thankful for the mower therapy that consists of bucking and bouncing over the uneven ground. Go figure.

The smell of the grass, and the beauty of the day was perfect. Even numerous bright dandelions were appreciated. For a few moments everything was as it should be. Most of us have welcomed those instances when were able to set aside worry for a few minutes and simply focus on what is good in the moment. Our global situation is, of course, not what we would desire, yet there are continuing narratives of goodness and mercy every day if we acknowledge them. Numbers of persons online have posed the question of what has been something new or uplifting they have learned of themselves or their situations in the last few weeks. The range of responses covers a surprising breadth of human experience.

Many have indicated that staying in place has been mentally healthful as they are not spending time or aggravations associated with commuting. Neighbors, family and friends have stepped to the forefront as needs arise, often in selfless and surprising ways. Innovation has been kick-started as divergent industries find ways to respond with helpful contributions, including many small businesses. Churches are discovering that they are much more than places to go on Sunday, especially with the availability of online resources allowing interactions across the globe.

Others have shared the unexpected benefits of spending more time with family, a concept badly in need of rejuvenation in many cultures. Deeper, more meaningful conversations about life, love and spiritual hardiness are taking place, and there are significant numbers of purposeful people not swayed by a demanding left or right but preferring instead to continue asking questions in order to ascertain for themselves what is true and real.

Time for oneself is a recurring theme that underscores how driven we have become as a society. Simple pleasures — coffee with a friend, the cat doing something stupid, conversation and laughter with our children (no matter their ages) — are moving more center stage for those whose circumstances allow. There are hardship reports of a sobering nature, enough to last a lifetime and beyond for many who are affected, but there are also reasons to love and celebrate and lift up the lives of one another.

Paul’s epistles to Christian communities contain common well wishes and hope for the continued presence of God in their lives. He particularly expresses his confidence that the grace of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit would be present in their midst. This grace, the unmerited love of God, brings hope of both transformation and forgiveness on a scale large enough for all to participate. It is the indwelling Christ who can deliver that grace in appropriate measure for moments of trial.

A 1977 Richard Gillard hymn, “Will You Let Me Be Your Servant,” builds on that grace-filled presence. In its core is found the following; “I will hold the Christ light for you, in the nighttime of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.” In this time of extraordinary uncertainty, may we all learn to be a servant to the other.