As I listen to the stories of fortunes won and lost, lives erupting in joy while others are being swallowed by self created sink holes, it is clear that there are storms on the horizon. For many, they have already arrived! Livelihoods have been lost, relation ties weakened or lost, and hope replaced by darkness. It would be easy to paint each patch of blackness of a result of self-destruction but there are plenty of stories where the innocent and good are fighting to stay alive. Life can be painful, ugly, and a living hell.
It is natural to blame those in power. Across the ages believers and skeptics at one time or another find themselves accusing someone, anyone, and preferably one that is in a better position than they are to do something. Centuries ago, one writer left us with the words many of us feel today; “You [God] blasted his home to kingdom come, reduced his city to a pile of rubble.” (Psalm 89.40)
While I appreciate the value and need to have a debate on the larger question, I would note that the storm is here. It is in your life and mine! We are inundated with bad news. Innocents the world over are dealing with the evil acts by others within their community. The defenseless are looking for defenders. Those who are weak are looking for the strong. There is a universal cry for help which is not being filled to anyone’s satisfaction.
In the space when I can see light and hope, I can hear a call to prepare for what is to come. Prepare by embracing and filling one’s heart with hope and courage. Strengthen one’s heart by practicing compassion and care. Fill one’s soul with things sounds, stories, and images of love and community.
In the storm that is already here, hold onto hope and the practice of being in each moment engaged, compassionate, and focused. In light and in darkness, we are called to be fully engaged. The invitation is our opportunity to give and live in hope.
