Epiphany Season Continues
We are called in Love and for Love. And sometimes Love is really very hard. Now is one of those times.
As a church, we are still in the season of Epiphany, a season of revelation and knowing. For Christians this is a season of encountering the Christ and being changed, based on the Magi’s (late) arrival to meet the Christ child.
Yes, it seems that Christmas was a long time ago. Yes, it feels like the kind of revelation we are are experiencing on a daily basis is not life-sustaining. Yes, it is tempting to ignore it all and live life as if nothing were happening.
However, we are called to more than overwhelming fear and anger. The goal of the current administration is to overwhelm us all into inaction. If we are confused, angered, overwhelmed, etc. in response to everything the current administration is doing, then we are less likely to respond with anything organized and effective.
We are called in Love and for Love. And sometimes Love is really very hard. Now is one of those times.
So take a few deep breaths. Remember that joy is in the world and it is free to engage in and share. Then consider doing any (or all) of the following:
- Limit the amount of news you consume. Choose one or two reputable outlets and check in on them once or twice a day.
- Engage in something you enjoy at least once a day.
- Check on those who may not be managing as well as you are in this moment.
- Do something kind for someone you know or a stranger. (For example, I have decided that I am going to send a small gift to a different friend each month just because.)
- Respond to current events in some way. (To do this you may want to check out the 5 Calls app.)
- Participate in local efforts to support the most vulnerable among us. (Beacon, Agate, Out Front, etc.)
- Rest. True self-care – rest and renewal – is an act of resistance.
- Respond to your feelings with healthy, effective coping, such as calling a friend or attending Heart Circle.
- Keep yourself engaged in the world with necessary, helpful tasks (New Branches Work Day on Saturday or other forms of volunteering)
One day at a time, we will get through this. We are called in Love for Love, even when it’s hard.
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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