Breathing Deeply
Herein lies the hope. We are a people of hope in the midst of a struggling world. We trust that Love will prevail, eventually. We also know that Love needs our hands, our voices, our presence, our prayers, our actions to bring about healing.
Many of us are breathing much more deeply after Tuesday’s elections. While all the results aren’t in, it is clear that the “red wave” did not happen. Many states voted against abortion bans and election-denying candidates mostly underperformed. This is good news. This is hopeful news. However, it doesn’t mean that we can go on with life as usual.
We can take a few deep breaths. We can give thanks. We can be gracious to those for whom these election results don’t feel like good news. Then we can continue the work we’ve already begun.
The scriptures in recent weeks have been about rebuilding and restoring. This week we will hear about God doing “a new thing.” None of this is as hard or as exhausting as it might sound. As the Bodymind of Christ, we are always building, always working toward restoration and reparation. In other words, God is always doing a new thing.
Herein lies the hope. We are a people of hope in the midst of a struggling world. We trust that Love will prevail, eventually. We also know that Love needs our hands, our voices, our presence, our prayers, and our actions to bring about healing.
As we head toward Thanksgiving, ponder what you are most grateful for. How is that gratitude evidenced in your daily life? How do you share that gratitude with all those around you? How might you continue to share it in the days to come?
We are all in this life together. If you are struggling to find hope or gratitude or even that deeper breath, let someone know so that they can hold hope for you for a while. As the chill of winter approaches, let us (re)kindle warmth in our community.
Breathe deeply. Stay connected. Together, we will discover what God has planned for us.
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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