a prayer for healing

Prayer for the Social Order, from the Book of Common Prayer 

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

// 

Since September of 2016, I have had this prayer written down as a draft for a post entitled "Black Lives Matter." 

It is roughly two weeks after the 2020 election between Biden and Trump. The outcome remains uncertain. And tensions remain high. 

My country needed this prayer back in 2016, when we were witnessing Trump run for the highest political office in our country for his first term. And we need it now, as our divisive incumbent president refuses to concede.                   

No president will be our savior. But a strong leader can influence a nation towards good or evil. If anything, Trump's polarizing speech has certainly exposed the deep ideological differences present in this country. 

Will these ideological differences continue to expand, eventually splintering our fragile democracy? My politically conservative father speaks hopefully, predicting that my generation will create a third party. One borne out of this mess, reconciling our differences and promoting true American ideals.  I pray he is right. 

grateful for all of this

July 2019 // L'abri in Eck en Wiel, the Netherlands

rhubarb bulbs from L. // biking 11 miles through First Landing State Park, treading through mud, the glassy water reflections of the bald cypress trees // the most beautiful illuminated Scripture journal from S. // C.'s hot, flaky, buttery biscuits straight from the oven // 5 o'clock walks, rain or shine // The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway // psalms set to music by a sweet couple from Kansas // time to work on my photo project, capturing women sans make-up // two packages on the same day, one with hair care and the other with photo books // respecting myself and communicating with friends and family today (difficult conversations and texts ensued) // finishing the insta page for my floral business, the Wildflower // teaching S. piano basics // the biggest hug from C. // planning my garden in the backyard sunshine // crying on the phone with my compassionate mother // venting on the phone with my compassionate sister // hope seeping back in

[all from Week 6 of quarantine]

an overcast spring walk

Walked outside twice today. Once before lunch after I'd been hunched over the computer grading assignments and listening to webinars. And again with my roommate and neighbor after work ended for the day. 

S L O W is the theme of life these days, for most of the world in quarantine (except for medical professionals working around the clock to fight this virus). COVID-19, why don't you slow down too? No need to hurry. 

"Hurry keeps the heart earth-bound." [Sarah Young] If that is so, then this halt of  all activity is opening our eyes to see what is eternal. It's not entertainment, not making money and finding security in finances, not going here there and everywhere. All of these are idols to the over-indulged, self-focused American. 

//

For the first time since last summer, I don't feel rushed. There are no looming deadlines. Yes, there are still daily expectations for work and caring for myself, but nothing pulsing in the back of my brain. I take my time cooking curried chicken and laughing with my friend. I return to the macrame wall hanging I started over two years ago and never finished. Making bread and tending to my plants and praying more and listening most.