The sounds of lament are growing louder, more universal, and constant. Between the pandemic, isolation, and home schooling, the pressures are increasingly relentless and overwhelming. I do not think anyone was prepared for what we are collectively experiencing. I am not hearing any suggestions that there was an early warning or playbook which would have helped one prepare.
The cries are loud and clear. Overwhelmed parents, especially those doing it on their own, are struggling to endure. The normal angst of growing up have taken an uncertain twist with no apparent rules on how children of any age should react. For anyone with a chronic disease or natural aging which makes her or him even more vulnerable, life’s uncertainties and lack of emotional support which comes from the human interaction, it is a time filled with fear and darkness.
A year plus on, a cry from generations before can still be heard. “Mercy, God, mercy! We’ve been kicked around long enough.” (Psalm 123.3)
Recent experiences are repeatedly whispering their lessons.
You and I can gift each other with empathy and compassion. It is not about who has it the worst; it is about listening in love, caring, and supporting each other regardless of where we are in the lament.
Moments of extreme strain and stress are our greatest opportunity to create a love wrapped space for recovery. This can be as simple as a cleansing breath and pause or as messy as being fully emotionally present with an unconditional willingness to take on another’s burdens and challenges.
Accepting and embracing the feelings and emotions within a lament is beginning of love’s embrace. Laments are a reality in your life and mine. Whatever your view on why, laments touch individuals in all walks of life, in every position, and across all ages. Using lament’s touch to hold onto love, relationship, and unconditional grace is a release which opens the door to peace and hope.
Today’s laments have always been with us, even when we did not hear. In hearing with our hearts, we give birth to hope.
