Hope is Possible
The hope we need for the future of our country is within our grasp, literally within us.
I know it is only September. However, there is a feeling of Advent in the air. We are all waiting, almost with held breath. We need hope to break into the world in lasting ways. The Presidential Debate made this clear.
While this debate was more encouraging for many of us, it wasn’t perfect nor was it a clear indication of the election’s outcome. We still have work to do to overcome the fear that threatens to consume this country.
There are lots of jokes being made about some of the former president’s statements. People on social media marking themselves safe from pets being eaten. Yet, his statements reveal very real anti-immigrant sentiment and potentially deadly xenophobia.
It’s okay to laugh and joke about some things as long as we are also making sure the truth is being shared as well. Too many of us remain silent and afraid of our neighbors. And those of us who are unafraid may not be communicating very well.
How we engage with one another matters. How we discuss the election matters. Yes, one candidate is absolutely better for the country than the other. Yet, she is not perfect and those who have questions and concerns should not be dismissed.
The hope we need for the future of our country is within our grasp, literally within us. When we choose love over fear, hope is born. When we listen to the concerns of our neighbors and meet them where they are, hope gains momentum.
The coming weeks won’t be easy as summer slides into autumn and the election grows closer. It will be hard to find healthy responses to the vitriol that continues to be very loud.
It might be challenging to continue to be in relationship with friends and relatives who have a different perspective because fear is powerful. And I don’t imagine things will get anything other than uglier, harsher, and more detrimental as the election nears.
Yet, we are together in this – as a community and as neighbors. What we say and do matters. How we respond to what others say and do matters. May we all find ways of bringing love into the world and preparing places for hope to gain strength.
In the meantime, what is bringing you hope these days? How are you sharing hope with those around you?
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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