As We Approach the Election
No matter how the election goes, we still have one job to do - to bring Divine Love into the world.
I have chosen you and not cast you off; do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:9b-10
This verse was included in last night’s service as a reminder that God is with us, with all human beings, no matter what happens (or doesn’t). I have always found comfort in this verse. It isn’t a promise that everything will be “perfect” as much as it is a promise of God’s presence, God’s strength.
It’s important to remember that human history is fairly repetitive. Leaders who threaten the wellbeing of a country have come and gone. Difficult times have come and gone and returned again only to give way to better times. This gives me hope.
Equally important to remember is that just because something happens in a big way, doesn’t mean it was “God’s will.” Human beings frequently choose anything but holy ways. And, if it is not the way of Love, it is not the way of God.
No matter how the election goes, we still have one job to do – to bring Divine Love into the world. Granted, it might be harder after next week than it is today. Yet, it doesn’t change the fact that we are people of God who desire to repair what generations before us have broken.
I’m guessing that we won’t necessarily know the outcome of Tuesday’s election right away. I’m hoping we do and there is a landslide, but that seems unlikely at the moment. So we will need to breathe deeply and wait. I’m praying for celebration, though we may be grieving.
However the election goes, we are in this together. We will support one another and our neighbors whether we are rejoicing or we are grieving. We will weather any coming storms and remain strong as a community who trusts in God’s steadfast love.
In the meantime, what are you doing to incarnate Divine Love today? Where have you experienced Divine Love in these anxious days?
Breathe deeply. Trust God. Trust in community. And know that you are not alone.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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I believe all young children live in divine love. We can see/experience empathy, honesty in their living, respect of the people around. That treasure shines through them. What breaks my heart is to see it sucked dry by a culture of twisted and warped ways of deep selfishness and narcissistic values. Empathy is not seen as strong anymore. Negative values takes over self-worth. How can we not be concern with another’s mental health in that kind of demise.