I listened to the story with a sense of disbelief. How could this unfold so quickly? I thought the foundations were stronger than they now appear. I was confident that history would provide a defense to anyone bold enough to wage war. In the end, the attack was as much from within as without. I found myself living with an echo from a distant past; “First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other. I’m reluctant to believe it, but there it is.” (1 Corinthians 11.18)
It is hard to know what one can or should do in this situation. Is the right answer to do nothing? Is action always required? Can or should I try to get involved?
Whatever I write now is as best mantras that I hold close to my heart. There is no way of knowing “the” right answer. A good answer will only be known in the fullness of time. For now, one must struggle, reflect, and engage. Mantras that I am holding today include the following.
Being able to act is more important than being willing. Too often, I focus on my willingness instead of being prepared. Letting Divinity restore my heart is the highest priority.
Help often happens one heart at a time. One is rarely in a position to reach a community with a single stroke. Look and seize the opportunities that are here. Small acts of hope are never a waste of time.
Look for the details of life. In them one will find hearts needing assurance, souls looking for hope, and individuals looking for a hand. This is where the real action is.
I know my mantras will not give me the pretty answers I would like. They are a calling into the messy stuff of life. They are also an invitation to go to the places where God is at work. As incredulous as it might seem, you and I are invited to work with God on Divine stuff. It is an opportunity, for others as well as for us.
