This morning I was reminded that sometimes it's for us to walk through a difficulty rather than avoid it or in some manner have it be removed for us. On today’s broadcast Joel Osteen said that God doesn't necessarily keep a challenge from us but rather walks us through it. My thoughts go to the “ride” that has been 2020.
By walking through 2020, many of us have grown in strength and faith. The pandemic has been central to our experience this year. We've lost family and friends to Covid while others have survived even though they suffered extended illness. We've lived with restrictions, uncertainty, at times fear and anger, and even a shortage of toilet paper. People in service industries who have met these needs hands-on, have been referred to as heroes. Police, while needing to reassess many aspects that have come to light, continue to be heroes, along with other first-responders,
We've seen the passing of gigantic national leaders in Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Lewis. And again, just this morning the news, "Congressman-Elect, Luke Letlow, of Louisiana dies from Covid." Basketball "Great", Kobe Bryant, his daughter and others unexpectedly gone in a tragic plane crash, as well as many beloved people in entertainment and the news. We've lost friends and family in non-covid related deaths.
And then the shameful, ongoing, tragic passing and mistreatment of still too many Black men and women was highlighted with the death of George Floyd, which we painfully watched in May in "disbelief". (“Disbelief” is a meaningless word here, for what we see, and experience repeatedly becomes a shared belief.) Black Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. And then all the chaotic occurrences that followed as people spoke and acted out in protest.
We have been called to action in thought, word, and deed; to live inclusively and to choose love and kindness where we have been fearful, judging, and dismissive. I personally find it humbling to look deeper into my own racism, which has come into awareness as a result of this focus on racism and the call for change within ourselves, our country and the world. This week the news reported that there have been 111 similar deaths of Black people since George Floyd on May 25th. We have the choice to choose differently and to achieve a consciousness that allows this insanity to end. This is what is ours to do at “such a time as this”.
We’ve lived through a disarray of behaviors and blunders by our national leaders. While we as a people may disagree about who did what, I pray we’ve all had enough finger-pointing and displays of grandiosity, both “out there” and right here with ourselves. I know when we clean up our own houses the White House too, will shine with integrity, light, and wisdom. It will become the spiritually designated, “Lighted House on the Hill”. It is a chance for the ideals upon which our country was founded to be resuscitated, our democracy secured, and we as a country be a greater demonstration and helping hand to each other and unto the world.
It’s easy here to refer once again, to Don Miguel Ruiz’s “Four Agreements”. These are:
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Don't take anything personally.
- Don't make assumptions.
- Always do your best.
As is customary, the most profound is often simply stated. These agreements are easy. We can remember and let them guide us in daily living.
I ask that we join together as we walk through and into 2021. We’ve been told there may be even greater challenges with Covid. As always, we will face challenges in 2021 that are unknown to us today. We know there is much unrest and much that is unsettled in our country. People have lived in lack, in distrust and fear; facing loss of jobs, businesses, loved-ones and homes. It’s enough now. Let’s join in a willingness to be directed, encouraged, and lifted enough above the battlefield so as to make a difference. We are a stand for light, love, peace, and joy.
Let Love Lead the Way.
May we all be safe and know we are blessed,
With love, Shiranda
