May 30 2020 Ephesians 6:10-24

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

This little passage precedes a more familiar passage from Ephesians that outlines the whole armor of God, with the belt of truth and breastplate of truth. But this little passage has helped me more than any breastplate. Having done all, stand. 

When I’ve done what I can, whether it’s with my mentally ill stalker or my sick loved one, when I’ve done all, stand. 

Standing isn’t passive. It’s a strong stance. It requires stamina, and resolve. There have been times I’ve wanted to run, or argue, or reiterate, or give in. The stronger, better action frequently is to stand. I imagine a snag in a fast moving creek. To stay in one place in the midst of the current takes strength. How much easier to go with the flow, literally. 

Now, in addition to fighting with this pandemic and the economic outfall, our country is flaring up with insidious, ever-present racial tensions. With a brown child, and previous work for the police, I know this is not an issue conveniently attributed to black vs. blue; it’s about all of us. 

I know it’s wrong to judge, or hire, or sentence, or go to the other side of the street because of the color of someone’s skin. I know it’s wrong to be complicit in systems that have perpetuated racism. I know it’s wrong to set fire to people’s offices, and smash property. I know it’s wrong to be angry at one segment of our population, whether it’s because of the color of their skin, or the color of their uniform. I know I’m the product of white privilege. 

And having said all that, I also know I don’t know what I can personally do. Maybe it’s back to my trusty phrase from Ephesians. To stand. 

I’m imagining MLK marching. He didn’t back down. He didn’t shy away from the front lines. He preached the Gospel in very public settings, without ever saying God or Jesus, but he spoke with a moral authority that was undeniable. Many others stood with him. They stood in the face of racism and violence. I’m also thinking about Gandhi, who peacefully stood in the face of racism. With his peaceful protests, with his refusal to exact justice himself, he disarmed many of his opponents, simply by his willingness to stand. 

I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do. But I know this has to stop. And I am incredibly stubborn, just like that branch in the stream. Just stand. 

This morning, I’m thinking about the power of standing. Standing in solidarity. Standing between peaceful and violent protests. Taking a stand. Preaching the Gospel with the moral authority that only comes from God. I do not want to be a part of angry rallies, or marches, or other things that provoke more violence and hatred. I want this to stop. Maybe the way is to stop the actions and counter-actions, and to stop the motion and commotion. Maybe we need to be witnesses of God’s love in all the scary and scared places. Maybe we need to stand. 

May 28 2020 Ephesians 4:17-32

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 

As we continue to live with this pandemic, we are increasingly socially isolated. Instead of meeting in person, we meet virtually. Instead of worshiping together, we watch a service, or listen to a reflection. And when we are finally able to meet in person, when it’s time to pass the peace at church, we will no longer hug, but we’ll bow or wave. I wonder what impact this has had on our collective lives together, or what lasting impact it will have. 

I’ve heard that it’s easier for people to be nasty, and say mean things on social media, than in person. For some time, I’ve carefully moderated whose voices I listen to, screening out too much negativity. But it seems there’s more of it now. Maybe it’s because we’re socially isolated, and lash out. Maybe it’s because we have the safety of social media. And maybe it’s because there’s really more to be angry and upset about, whether it’s another black man murdered by the police, or the economic impact of the pandemic response. It seems to me now is the time for all of us to be exceedingly careful about what we listen to, and what we expose ourselves to. Regardless of what evil others want to spew, I don’t need to hear it. 

And likewise, I need to be even more vigilant about what comes out of my mouth. I’m not likely to post anything negative, but I can have a sharp tongue, and have said unkind things. There is never a positive outcome from saying negative things. Even if I’m upset with something someone did, I can figure out a way to speak that’s missing all of the petty, gossipy tone. 

This morning, I’m thinking about giving grace to all who hear whatever I say. I want to imagine that my words can build up others; as long as I’m not tearing anyone down, my words can build up others, can give grace to others. If I’ve got a dark cloud in my head or soul, why would I ever need to share that darkness with anyone else? There’s enough of that already in the world. Today, I want to imagine my words give grace to those around me – every time I open my mouth.