I need to go deeper this summer. I am restless with church as usual - the liturgy, the familiar structure.
We need to SPEAK to what is going on in the world! We need to wail and lament! Gnash our teeth!
I am tired of polite and politely talking of the doings in the world in hushed voices after service on Sunday before we return home.
We need to cry and bang on the locked doors with our balled up fists!
Th is how I am feeling (and thank you for asking.)
I don’t know what to do with this but I almost tried a different church this morning. But then I remembered I am supposed to sing and we have a picnic today. So I will go. And be polite. And inquire after the old women who faithfully come. And I will not wail and I will not cry.
But I will carry the cry in my throat. For the genocide in Gaza and the bombing in Iran and the women and children ripped off our streets. For hungry people and sick people. And people afraid. For young people certain that they will inherit NOTHING. That we will leave them NOTHING after we blindly played our part with our little college degrees and our mortgages, and worrying about after school enrichment while capitalism ate up the planet and our souls.
This is where I am at this Sunday morning. Questioning my church and my choices and my path ahead.
I am a "young"/new subscriber but an elder "hope-er" -- being an 82-year-old retired chaplain. Even with all this experience in life, my older friends and I are still struggling with the traumas of our current political and social machinations. My suggestion for July -- how does our faith not only give us hope (dreams) for the future, but also how our hope gives us direction and power for the future living in the Resurrection life. I started the journey along this line of thought when I heard a lecture by Rev. Dr. Yara Gonzalez-Justiniano (Vanderbilt Divinity School).
Thank you Diana. I've been to the Rijksmuseum thrice, and I love Rembrandt more than any other painter, but somehow have never seen / noticed that painting of Anna. I'd love to know more about why Rembrandt chose to paint the biblical figures that he did. His fixation with blind Tobit fascinates me at the moment - he painted / etched / sketched him 55 times!
I suggest the theme of disruption, in the Bible and today. Cover who is being disruptive in a good way. Perhaps something clever like our campus pastor did recently. He did what reality TV show would various bible characters be in. Perhaps you could do what place in the world today would disruptive Bible characters be in? How would they be acting? What would they say? For example, can't you picture Phillip ministering to immigrants?
Because we are all first Jeremiahs, we, must hopefully evolve into Annas. How long can we deal with the sufferings before we seek hope? I am reminded of myself and others who read The Cottage when I look at Anna.
Thank you for this. I needed it today. I believe that we are here to reflect God's love and mercy. I don't understand what the heck everyone else is talking about.
Depending on how one chooses to connect the words, the description of Anna might be that she was 84 years old ... or(!) that she was married for seven years and then lived 84 years a widow, which would put her past 100. She was definitely old by any count!
Thank you for this! I love that museum and saw these same two paintings my last visit. Regarding your question about summer topic ideas, how about women prophets of the bible? They rarely, if at all, had a voice or a writing of their stories, but remnants for God story, nevertheless.
What a great word to bring. An encouragement and promise based in waiting. Hope is the substance of things not seen. Eternal hope is a gift. Thank you.
Depart to the museum anytime, dear friend. I loved that those two masterpieces hang side by side. It moves me. Anna has been my guiding light since 1993. I rather adore her and always have. Your words gave me chills and hope.
Thank you for this visit to the museum. I needed the artists of the world today.
You wrote of the 4th Great Awakening - just like David Korten wrote of The Great Turning. Others spoke and wrote about an Emerging Church. All types of Christians pray for that Kingdom that is really a Beloved Community yet to be 'on Earth as it is in Heaven". You told us pushback is part of it. Heather Cox Richardson's version of Radio Free America :-) and Tim Snyder who wrote "On Tyranny", describe coalitions of unlikely factions in common cause to stand up for actual change - and it takes 3.5% to pull it off. Keep putting your word of hope there. Thank you !
I feel I am one of the people Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer is talking about in Please. My adult life was one of deep despair. The person that promised to love and cherish me, ignored me. Even when I told him I wanted to take my life. But I had two sons that are the most important people in my life. I wanted them to see a happy marriage so they would feel safe. And, it worked. They are both kind men. My son that is married is supportive and compassionate to his wife. My other son survived being raped by a babysitter when he was five. I knew he suddenly didn’t want her to come on the one evening my husband and I worked. He didn’t have the words, but I saw his distress and immediately changed sitters. I saw him. Many years later when he was 13 my Mommy radar went off after he acted strangely when a friend forced him to hold their newborn. Once again, I saw him. Later in the evening, when he got home, I sat with him and we talked for several hours, sometimes in circles. Finally, when I said I didn’t understand (I swear his face turned into that five year child) and said “when she made me go to bed with her.” My heart dropped. We started him with the therapist and after a short while the therapist told us he was in a good place because I saw him and did something. He thought we knew and didn’t want to talk about because it would make it sad. He is now a kind compassionate man. Back to my adult life. I went to bed most evenings wanting to not wake up in the morning by a natural cause so they wouldn’t have the trauma of my suicide. In the morning I got up and put on the mask. I made it through many nights because I would ask God if I could just sit in his lap and rest for a while. And, of course, he always said ‘yes.’ And, I love people. What is going on I this country right now is scary and heartbreaking. But I feel called to see the individual and offer them my love and compassion. One person at a time. I know I can’t save every person, but I hope I make a difference in that person’s life. Right now I have a grandson that needs me. I see him. We have a very special relationship. He knows I am always here for him. Despite my trauma, I still see the beauty of this world. And how important it is to live out Jesus last command ‘Love your neighbor.’ The purpose of my life is to follow this command. And, it brings me great joy.
This is beautiful. Thank you. With age comes wisdom. God, give me the heart of Anna. A waiter and watcher, tender with hope even in the face of despair.
I need to go deeper this summer. I am restless with church as usual - the liturgy, the familiar structure.
We need to SPEAK to what is going on in the world! We need to wail and lament! Gnash our teeth!
I am tired of polite and politely talking of the doings in the world in hushed voices after service on Sunday before we return home.
We need to cry and bang on the locked doors with our balled up fists!
Th is how I am feeling (and thank you for asking.)
I don’t know what to do with this but I almost tried a different church this morning. But then I remembered I am supposed to sing and we have a picnic today. So I will go. And be polite. And inquire after the old women who faithfully come. And I will not wail and I will not cry.
But I will carry the cry in my throat. For the genocide in Gaza and the bombing in Iran and the women and children ripped off our streets. For hungry people and sick people. And people afraid. For young people certain that they will inherit NOTHING. That we will leave them NOTHING after we blindly played our part with our little college degrees and our mortgages, and worrying about after school enrichment while capitalism ate up the planet and our souls.
This is where I am at this Sunday morning. Questioning my church and my choices and my path ahead.
I am a "young"/new subscriber but an elder "hope-er" -- being an 82-year-old retired chaplain. Even with all this experience in life, my older friends and I are still struggling with the traumas of our current political and social machinations. My suggestion for July -- how does our faith not only give us hope (dreams) for the future, but also how our hope gives us direction and power for the future living in the Resurrection life. I started the journey along this line of thought when I heard a lecture by Rev. Dr. Yara Gonzalez-Justiniano (Vanderbilt Divinity School).
Each writing pointing us toward Hope! Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you Diana. I've been to the Rijksmuseum thrice, and I love Rembrandt more than any other painter, but somehow have never seen / noticed that painting of Anna. I'd love to know more about why Rembrandt chose to paint the biblical figures that he did. His fixation with blind Tobit fascinates me at the moment - he painted / etched / sketched him 55 times!
I suggest the theme of disruption, in the Bible and today. Cover who is being disruptive in a good way. Perhaps something clever like our campus pastor did recently. He did what reality TV show would various bible characters be in. Perhaps you could do what place in the world today would disruptive Bible characters be in? How would they be acting? What would they say? For example, can't you picture Phillip ministering to immigrants?
Because we are all first Jeremiahs, we, must hopefully evolve into Annas. How long can we deal with the sufferings before we seek hope? I am reminded of myself and others who read The Cottage when I look at Anna.
Thank you for this. I needed it today. I believe that we are here to reflect God's love and mercy. I don't understand what the heck everyone else is talking about.
Depending on how one chooses to connect the words, the description of Anna might be that she was 84 years old ... or(!) that she was married for seven years and then lived 84 years a widow, which would put her past 100. She was definitely old by any count!
Thank you for this! I love that museum and saw these same two paintings my last visit. Regarding your question about summer topic ideas, how about women prophets of the bible? They rarely, if at all, had a voice or a writing of their stories, but remnants for God story, nevertheless.
A reflection on this past weekend
Flag Day 2025
There was a big multi-city protest on Saturday
A united show of strength of the USA
There were American flags
People smiling and waving
Pride in our country and its history
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
There was a big parade on Saturday
The history of the military strength in the USA
There were American flags
People smiling and waving
Pride in our country and its history
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
There were shootings on Saturday
A pro-lifer took life
Two political figures and their spouses
There will be a funeral and rehab
I can hear their children’s cries
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
There was a new war on Saturday
Bombs bursting in air
While each side waves their flags
No one is smiling
The world holds it breath
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
There were church services on Sunday
Some preach against
Some preach for
Everyone sings the same songs
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
It was Father's Day on Sunday
Some fathers have died
Some have disappeared
Some fathers were mindfully present
Everyone wants a loving dad
Unfurl the flag of hope
The flag of freedom
Unfurl the flag of truth
Janet Cain 2025
What a great word to bring. An encouragement and promise based in waiting. Hope is the substance of things not seen. Eternal hope is a gift. Thank you.
a wonderful word! for such a time as this! Thanks you! Traveling mercies--inside and out!
Ah Diana,
Depart to the museum anytime, dear friend. I loved that those two masterpieces hang side by side. It moves me. Anna has been my guiding light since 1993. I rather adore her and always have. Your words gave me chills and hope.
Thank you for this visit to the museum. I needed the artists of the world today.
Carol
Dear Diana,
You wrote of the 4th Great Awakening - just like David Korten wrote of The Great Turning. Others spoke and wrote about an Emerging Church. All types of Christians pray for that Kingdom that is really a Beloved Community yet to be 'on Earth as it is in Heaven". You told us pushback is part of it. Heather Cox Richardson's version of Radio Free America :-) and Tim Snyder who wrote "On Tyranny", describe coalitions of unlikely factions in common cause to stand up for actual change - and it takes 3.5% to pull it off. Keep putting your word of hope there. Thank you !
I feel I am one of the people Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer is talking about in Please. My adult life was one of deep despair. The person that promised to love and cherish me, ignored me. Even when I told him I wanted to take my life. But I had two sons that are the most important people in my life. I wanted them to see a happy marriage so they would feel safe. And, it worked. They are both kind men. My son that is married is supportive and compassionate to his wife. My other son survived being raped by a babysitter when he was five. I knew he suddenly didn’t want her to come on the one evening my husband and I worked. He didn’t have the words, but I saw his distress and immediately changed sitters. I saw him. Many years later when he was 13 my Mommy radar went off after he acted strangely when a friend forced him to hold their newborn. Once again, I saw him. Later in the evening, when he got home, I sat with him and we talked for several hours, sometimes in circles. Finally, when I said I didn’t understand (I swear his face turned into that five year child) and said “when she made me go to bed with her.” My heart dropped. We started him with the therapist and after a short while the therapist told us he was in a good place because I saw him and did something. He thought we knew and didn’t want to talk about because it would make it sad. He is now a kind compassionate man. Back to my adult life. I went to bed most evenings wanting to not wake up in the morning by a natural cause so they wouldn’t have the trauma of my suicide. In the morning I got up and put on the mask. I made it through many nights because I would ask God if I could just sit in his lap and rest for a while. And, of course, he always said ‘yes.’ And, I love people. What is going on I this country right now is scary and heartbreaking. But I feel called to see the individual and offer them my love and compassion. One person at a time. I know I can’t save every person, but I hope I make a difference in that person’s life. Right now I have a grandson that needs me. I see him. We have a very special relationship. He knows I am always here for him. Despite my trauma, I still see the beauty of this world. And how important it is to live out Jesus last command ‘Love your neighbor.’ The purpose of my life is to follow this command. And, it brings me great joy.
This is beautiful. Thank you. With age comes wisdom. God, give me the heart of Anna. A waiter and watcher, tender with hope even in the face of despair.