Embodying Hope (and more) is an Act of Resistance
Being the Bodymind of Christ means resisting the powers of fear, hatred, anger, and the like that can so easily draw us in.
Hope. Joy. Love. Mercy. Forgiveness. Gratitude. Peace. Have you ever considered that seeking these, creating these, embodying these are acts of resistance?
In a world that seems to thrive on fear, anger, violence, condemnation, division, and discord, purposefully bringing hope and its companions directly contradicts, maybe even balances out, some of the negativity in ourselves and in those we meet. It doesn’t mean we live in ignorance or denial; it means we are purposeful in what we embrace and embody.
I was reminded of this at last week’s Regional Youth Event with the theme of “Love is Greater than Fear.” While many of the young people are acutely aware of the problems and politics of this country and in other parts of the world, they are also hopeful.
They chose to be at the youth event where they could talk about hard things and also experience joy. They could articulate their concerns for the future and name the despair that sometimes grabs hold of them, and still embrace the truth of Love being greater than fear.
These are youth who want dynamic worship and engagement with church. They want to understand how faith can help get them through the challenges of life. They are asking for a church that recognizes their value today, and not just for who they might be at some distant time in the future.
The many youth I talked with were honest about their fears – personal, national, and global. Yet, they also believe that they will do better than the generations who have come before them. They trust science and technology and the need to use it to make life better for all people everywhere.
It was listening to them engage with some challenging topics and express wisdom and courage that got me to thinking about resistance being embodied in all the churchy words we use – hope, joy, love, mercy, forgiveness, gratitude, peace, and others.
It is important for us to resist the negativity that fear-mongering politicians spread. It is important for us to continue to be the Bodymind of Christ wherever we find ourselves – apart and together.
What have your acts of resistance been in recent days? What has helped you find hope or any of its companions? How will you persist in resisting the pull of fear and its companions?
Whatever you are doing or experiencing, remember that you are not alone. We are not alone. The Spirit is always hovering, waiting for the moment to create something new with us, in us, around us, through 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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Resisting the pull of fear, hopelessness and anxiety can at times feel impossible. Yet here I am surviving what I never thought would happen to me at 75. Today I resisted its pull by finally getting on my recumbent trike and followed the Red Cedar River after a very intense EMDR session. I persevere.
Barb, yes, sometimes the pull of fear, hopelessness, and anxiety is stronger than our capacity to resist. It’s one of the reasons we live in community – so others can hold hope for us when we cannot. And perseverance is key. One day at a time. Or one minute at a time. Whatever is needed.