Keep the Faith

“I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.'” Psalm 116:10

Keep the faith. That’s not always easy.

I awoke this morning feeling less than hopeful. Last night’s debate left me feeling both sad and afraid. The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racism rage on. Those who are looking for a reason to be violent are now actively standing by. The world feels less safe than it did 24 hours ago, and I can only assume there’s more of the same coming down the pike in the next month. Where are we headed? In what kind of country will my children come of age?

Keep the faith.

First, and finally, the crucified and risen Lord still reigns over creation. That’s not up for debate. And second, people of faith must seek to do what’s right even and especially when we feel afflicted. So, we will continue to care for one another in our fight against the virus. We will continue to work for justice and equality for BIPOC Americans. We will continue to be the church, the people of God who are bound together by faith, not ideology, and who are set free to do God’s work in the world.

Keep the faith.

Also, not that anyone asked, but I condemn white supremacy. Black lives matter.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Faithful God, we cry to you in our affliction. Comfort your people and strengthen us for the days ahead. Let peace break forth upon the earth; let justice roll down like waters. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: A goat on the roof at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay, WI (July 14, 2020). This doesn’t really have anything to do with today’s post. Or maybe it does. That goat seems awfully calm in what seems to me to be a precarious position.