Once again I find words to help me deal with events of the day in the Presbyterian Outlook. What follows is a portion of Jill Duffield’s “Prayer for Children Coming Across Our Border.” Whatever our political views on the matter of immigration , may some of these words and phrases find their way into our hearts and prayers this day.
“Jesus, you say ‘welcome the little children’ and ‘blessed are the poor’ and ‘what we do to the most vulnerable we do to you.’ You tell us that we will be judged not on whether we said, “Lord, Lord,” not on if we tithed or attended worship or sang your praises, but on if we were compassionate and cared for the sick, the weak, the prisoner, the stranger, the children, the least of these our brothers and sisters.
We ask forgiveness even as we confess that we are still engaged in practices that are abhorrent. Children are being forcibly taken from their parents. People fleeing abuse are being further abused in our name. Youth who crossed our borders unaccompanied are being incarcerated. Those brought here years and years ago remain in a state of anxious waiting as our elected leaders use their fate as a bargaining chip. We plead with you, Lord Christ, not for mercy for ourselves, but for relief for those in the throes of our broken immigration system…
… Lord of all, who welcomes the little children, hold them close until they are reunited with their families. Lord Jesus, who came to this earth poor, a refugee who fled with his family to escape violence, help us to see you in each other, especially in those who right this moment are on the run, looking for safety. Lord Christ, who goes after the lost sheep and brings them safely home, make of us good shepherds, too. Amen.”
Two responses to this prayer show new perspectives on additional prayers needing to be offered in these days: “Let us pray also for the parents who willfully and purposefully place their innocent children knowingly in harm's way and use them for barter. Let us pray also for the perpetrators of squalid and repressive conditions that drive the poor and wealthy alike to be fearful.” Again, whatever our political views on the matter of immigration, may some of these words and phrases find their way into our hearts and prayers this day.
Giving thanks for people whose words confront and comfort and help us to find our way through these confusing days. Giving thanks, too, for those streams of mercy, never ceasing.
Elizabeth
It was my joy to go the Fifth Grade Graduation of one of our children this last Thursday. Having taught elementary school for more than a decade earlier in my life, I enjoy being reminded of the blessing of those years.
“Young men” in their khakis and navy blazers, with the tell-tale clip on tie, as they walk with a shuffle in brand new shoes back and forth to receive awards and, at last, that all important certificate of graduation! Others sported new shirts, polos and shirts with buttoned down collars - usually tucked in, and shorts with a belt! “Young ladies” shedding shorts and jeans for a day, so lovely in springs dresses, carefully making their way back and forth in their first platform shoes, or heels, their hair beautifully arranged for this special day. For the most part, all were “dressed for success.” I whispered a prayer in my heart for each one as they passed by.
The chorus sang of the future unfolding just for them, and of how together they’d find their way to that new day. As I listened to their song of hope and celebration, and my eyes scanned the group, I was reminded of the words of Dr. Seuss – “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Most special to me was the diversity of the student body in this school. There’s a wonderful blend of different races, a mixing of rich and varied cultures, and a beautiful array of smiling and hopeful faces that have made this journey together. It was special to see the dvd presentation of their journey through elementary school together. And today they were celebrating- mothers holding babies in their arms and hanging on to toddlers; fathers who’d gotten off work just long enough to slip in and out- some mothers who’d done the same; grandparents beaming with pride; and one (maybe more!) pastor there, to celebrate the special day!
“Graduation is a Celebration– a time for looking back on lessons learned, adventures shared, bright moments filled with special meaning.
Graduation is a Farewell – a time for saying goodbye to old friends, to good times you’ve known…a time for packing away memories, treasures for tomorrow.
Graduation is a Beginning – a time for looking forward, a time to set new goals, to dream new dreams, to try your wings and see what lies beyond.”
God bless your journey, Fifth Grade Class of 2018! We’re counting on you!
Elizabeth
Like many of us, I am troubled by the tone of civil discourse these days. In this week’s Presbyterian Outlook, I found a way to confront my concerns and deal with them in helpful ways.
Jill Duffield writes: “From the neighborhood association to the city council and beyond, leaders are considered not simply mistaken or misdirected or misinformed, they are stupid, idiots, evil. Motives are not questioned, they are assumed malevolent. Decisions are not disagreed with, debated and discussed, they are maligned and the people who made them castigated. The benefit of the doubt doesn’t exist anymore. Public postings of perceived ineptitude have replaced personal conversations seeking understanding and resolution… we are living in an age of cultural contempt.”
Her words gave words to feelings I struggle with from day to day. What happened to respecting our differing ideas and opinions? What happened to working together for the common good?
What happened to accepting and encouraging one another? She has words for that struggle as well: “We are nowhere near mutual respect. We are an ocean away from mutual trust. We need to begin with recognizing the reality and destructiveness of our mutual contempt. We must individually and corporately recalibrate our moral compasses.”
I’ve never thought of a “moral compass,” and didn’t understand what she meant at first. Jill explains that each of us has a “moral frame/moral compass” that has to do with how we view life, people and situations. While I’ve never thought in those terms, I do have a way of viewing the world that guides my being and my doing – and it’s not particularly popular or thought to be particularly wise these days!
I believe that we are all children of God, made in the image of God. This is the first point on my “moral compass.” The first three questions of our newest PCUSA catechism for children, “Belonging to God” are an important foundation.
Question 1. Who are you? I am a child of God.
Question 2. What does it mean to be a child of God? That I belong to God, who loves me.
Question 3. What makes you a child of God? Grace -- God's free gift of love that I do not deserve and cannot earn. (And these answers are for all people, not just little Presbyterian children!)
A second point on my “moral compass” is my belief that God is working in all things for good and making all things new. This means I cannot give up on anyone or write anyone off. No situation is ever hopeless, no problem that cannot be solved, no person beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.
A third point on my “moral compass” is this belief: If we have truly experienced God’s love, we become more loving; if we have truly experienced God’s grace, we become more gracious.
These three points on my “moral compass” guide my being and my doing, for better or worse!
The challenge is before us, to “name our moral frame/moral compass” and make it explicit, known, visible in word and deed, so that a grassroots movement of empathy can transform our culture.” May God help us to do so in ways that help us to make a difference in our corner of creation!
Giving thanks for streams of mercy, never ceasing, ever flowing, even now…
Elizabeth