Inaction Feeds Injustice

“Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims—laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity...” (Isaiah 10:1-2 MSG)

What do you do in the face of injustice? 

My response thus far has been predictable: I feel upset for a few days, I pray that God will take care of it, and I go about my life. After all, I am not racist; I am not the perpetrator of abuse. I do not oppress, discriminate, or deny justice to the needy. Actually, I do not do anything. I see myself as neutral and powerless against injustice. I react...but I do not act. 

Inaction feeds injustice; it is not neutral. It emboldens the oppressors while draining the dignity of the defenseless. It is inhumane--lacking in compassion for the suffering and distressed. If we saw someone kneeling on the neck of a dog, or chasing it in a pickup truck and killing it with a shotgun, we would immediately enact laws against this sort of behavior. Yet, we are unable to extend the same level of empathy for certain segments of humanity. 

Anyone who speaks up or acts up against injustice is guaranteed to be a target of animosity. It is agitating--shining a spotlight on our own biases and that of society. It is disruptive--to our own perspectives, as well as to those around us who are complacent. It is inconvenient, unsettling, and disturbing to the order of established systems. Action in the face of injustice requires discomfort...for uneasiness is a precursor to change. 

Too Much at Once

“Now a wind went out from the Lord and drove quail in from the sea. It scattered them up to two cubits deep all around the camp, as far as a day’s walk in any direction.” (Numbers 11:31 NIV)

Every year before gardening season, we amend the existing soil in our raised beds with topsoil. There are two ways to do this. One is to buy small bags of topsoil that can be carried home in the trunk of our vehicle. This method allows us to buy, store, and use the soil at our convenience. The second way is to get a truckload of bulk soil delivered to our home. We did this one year. The dump truck unloaded a big pile of soil at the end of our driveway. It took us several weeks to move all the soil with shovels and wheelbarrows. It was too much to deal with at once. 

Sometimes I ask God for something, and He unloads more than I can handle at once. Like the Israelites who wanted meat and got more quail than they knew what to do with, I feel overwhelmed. I prefer everything to be delivered in convenient packages and times. When I read Scripture passages that are difficult to understand, I ask God for insights. I want these revelations to come when I have time to sit down and take notes. However, God doesn’t consider my schedule. He dumps piles of realizations all at once, compelling me to put aside my plans. I sift and sort through it and move it to the right spots. I have learned that God delivers according to His timetable, and I have to stay available and amenable. 

Gratitude Rush

“Be thankful in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 GNT)

I go through my morning routine mindlessly--wake up, brush my teeth, wash my face, put on chapstick, get a large mug of coffee, and sit down with my Bible and journal. This morning, as I reached for my lip balm, a sudden rush of gratitude washed over me. I noticed all the little luxuries that I take for granted: a soft bed, blankets, pillows, a private bathroom, toothpaste, hot water, soap, towels, coffee, books, journals, pencils,  morning silence, time to think, read, and write, a secure home...

As the day went on, there was the usual stream of bad news--loved ones going through difficult times, social injustice, political corruption, and global suffering. Normally this would be enough to make me moody, but not today. Like a leaf buoyed by a fountain of water,  an involuntary rush of gratitude kept my spirits up. I continually thanked God in every circumstance. I was able to find some speck of goodness in everything today. I pray that this perspective of gratitude remains with me…

Pinioned

“God will protect you with his pinions; you'll find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness is a protective shield.” (Psalm 91:4 CEB)

This morning I woke up earlier than usual. As I sat quietly in reverie, a deep weight settled over me. I felt pinioned--like a bird whose wings were held close to its body. For a few hours, I was restrained securely by God. 

Like most people, I don’t like to be restricted. I want to do what I want, when and wherever I want, in the way I want to do it. I want to be in control, have the freedom to make my own decisions. I rankle at any form of confinement. 

Like young birds who have discovered their wings, we want to fly unfettered. Yet God tucks us into his pinions, guarding us from harm. Under his wings, we are safe. God’s protective shield sometimes feels restrictive. When we feel pinned down and tethered, it’s tempting to rebel. Don’t. Use the instincts that are deep within you. Remain securely pinioned under God’s wings. 

Daniel in Captivity

“Daniel determined that he would not defile himself by eating the king’s food or drinking his wine, so he asked the head of the palace staff to exempt him from the royal diet.” (Daniel 1:8 MSG)

Most of us have heard the Biblical story of Daniel in the lion’s den. Daniel was a Jewish captive in Babylon. He was thrown into a pit of lions for disobeying an edict against private prayer. He survived because of God’s protection over him. This made an impression on his Babylonian captors. Little did they know that Daniel had been preparing for this moment for a long time. 

As a young man in the King’s court, Daniel determined he would not defile himself by eating the royal diet. He did not mind being seen as weird. He wasn’t concerned about fitting in or assimilation. He remained true to his conscience, even when that led to hardship. Daniel remained disciplined despite the pleasures available to him. He was in a pit of temptations, but he survived because of God’s protection over him. 

The lessons of Daniel are especially useful in these times of confinement. Do the right thing, even when it is inconvenient. Remain true to your conscience, even when it leads to hardship. Be disciplined, despite what others are doing around you. Rely on God to protect you from the temptations that surround you. 

Discipline and Corrections

“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction!” (Proverbs 12:1 MSG)

I love learning. I can be somewhat disciplined when I set my mind to it. However, I DO NOT like correction. When someone tells me something I would rather not hear, my first reaction is annoyance. Even when I sense there is truth in what they say, I respond defensively. I don’t like change, and correction involves a shift in perspective and trajectory. 

Recently I was going about business as usual when a friend suggested a course correction. She challenged me to reconsider my status quo. I was not pleased. I stomped my feet and had a private tantrum. Then, within a few hours, another friend mentioned the same thing. Now I was annoyed at both of them. Yet, I knew I had to consider what they said. I sat with the discomfort. I prayed. I asked God for guidance. I tentatively, reluctantly, turned from the familiar trajectory on to a new path. 

Prayer Break

“God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure. Here you’ve reduced the city to rubble…”(Isaiah 25:1-2 MSG)

Yesterday afternoon, I felt like I needed to take a prayer break. As usual, I started by looking for a Scripture verse to meditate on. I poked around in Isaiah, because I needed some hope. But everything I read added to my gloom. Then I tried to praise and thank God. This is how I was taught to pray, but that brought no relief either. So I decided to vent, to cry out, and then straight up ask God for what I wanted: 

Lord, things feel uncertain, unstable, and out of control. Sickness, unemployment, poverty,  depression, loneliness, anger, hatred, blame, confusion, anxiety, hopelessness...it's all too much. I need you to fix this mess. First of all, please show us how to take care of those who are suffering. Also, teach us not to add to the pain. I pray especially for my loved ones and those super-sufferers in this world. Take care of the injustice. If there is some way you can use me, show me what to do. If not me, then use others...but do something soon...please.

Social Programming

“We used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. No longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:16 VOICE)

I have an old laptop that no longer functions properly. I have been reading up on how to fix the issues. Many of the online forums I have been consulting recommend uninstalling Windows and switching to a Unix based operating system. I am reasonably tech savvy for someone my age, but I will only go so far into unfamiliar territory. I’m hesitant to make radical changes when I’m unsure about the outcome. Thus, I’ve decided to keep my dysfunctional laptop the way it is.

My value system, much like an old laptop, has been dysfunctional for a while. I used to regard everything based on worldly standards. This was my default operating system. Social programming colored my perspective and influenced my behavior. No longer. No more going through the motions. No more parroting what I’ve heard. No more doing what I’ve always done and believing what I’ve always believed. I’m choosing a different trajectory. I am walking along unfamiliar paths. Often I am alone, but I don’t feel lonely. The solitude allows me to be circumspect. The quietness brings clarity. I move forward with a newfound peace and purpose. 

Packing Party

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life."(Proverbs 13:7 MSG) 

Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, aka the Minimalists, have written several books about living with fewer possessions.  Joshua had a home full of stuff. Once he decided to simplify his life, he did so quickly.  He had a ‘packing party’--where he invited his friends over and they pretended as if he were moving. They boxed up everything in his house and labeled each box. For the next three weeks, he unpacked only what was necessary. He noticed that 80% of his possessions remained in the boxes unused. He sold or donated all of these things within the next few months. 

I am NOT going to have a packing party. I’m one of those people who keep things that I haven’t used for decades, just in case I may need them. Yet I admire and appreciate the philosophy behind minimalism. My life is cluttered with non-essentials that take up space, energy, and resources to maintain. I am attached to old beliefs; I use them like pacifiers when I desire comfort. I recognize that this is a problem. I would like to cultivate  a more meaningful existence. This requires an intentional relinquishment of that which is worthless. A radical change in perspective is necessary, but it is also scary. 

Environmental Rest

“The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate...” (2 Chronicles 36:21 NLT)

Surrounding the dark cloud of this pandemic, there might be a silver lining. As people quarantine in their homes, pollution has decreased significantly all over the world. Air quality has improved in big cities. The peaks of mountains that have not been visible in ages can now be viewed from distant villages. Rivers and oceans are cleaner. Animals that are rarely seen near human civilization have returned. The sounds of birds chirping seem louder now that other noises have been turned down. All of this points to how human activity impacts the planet. 

What lessons can we take away from this current experience? 

 The health of our planet directly impacts human health. It is a symbiotic relationship. Our planet has sustained humanity thus far. Like a mother with unruly kids, she has tolerated our demands, messiness, and recklessness. She is tired and could really use a break. Instead of continually exploiting her resources, perhaps we could make thoughtful choices that are a bit less damaging to her survival. Earth deserves a Sabbath rest, and humanity deserves to live in a healthy environment. 

Ignoring Warnings

“God, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent warning messages to them. Out of compassion for both his people and his Temple he wanted to give them every chance possible. But they wouldn’t listen; they poked fun at God’s messengers, despised the message itself, and in general treated the prophets like idiots.” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16 MSG)

The smoke alarm right outside our bedroom was chirping. We knew it wasn’t a fire; no, this was just the intermittent warning that the battery needed replacing. Of course it was the middle of the night. If we could have, we would have ignored the sounds, but we are sensitive sleepers. One of us would have to get up, find new batteries, put up the ladder, and change the batteries to make the darn thing stop its incessant beeps. I must confess, I have sometimes been tempted to disconnect all the smoke detectors in our home.

God sends us messages through many avenues. Out of compassion for His creation, He directs us through other humans, signs, and insights. However, warnings can be annoying and disruptive. Most of us would rather go about our lives as usual and ignore admonishments to change our routines. We prefer to listen to those who say what we want to hear, even if that means ignoring the truth. Thus, we are tempted to disconnect from the Source of directions and warnings. Disengaged from faith, we go back to being insensitive, oblivious--and headed for destruction. 

The Ark of the Quarantine

“The waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains became visible.” (Genesis 8:5 NIV)

The current global quarantine reminds me of the biblical story of Noah and the ark. Before the waters covered the earth, there were signs of impending danger. Most of the world did not heed the warnings and went about business as usual. Noah and his family followed God’s advice and self-isolated while the rest of the earth was wiped out. The damage was unprecedented. The flood lasted a long time. Even after the rains stopped, the earth remained submerged. I imagine that after a few months of quarantine, the occupants of the ark were itching to get back out into the world. Noah sent out tester birds to see if it was safe. It wasn’t. It took ten months before the tops of mountain peaks became visible. What if Noah had decided that he was sick of being cooped up after a while and had chosen to open up the hatch and herd everyone out?

This pandemic is like an invisible flood covering the earth. The self-isolation, scarcity, uncertainty, and frustration are getting to all of us. We keep checking for peaks--signs that things are improving. Unfortunately, the virus does not respond to our timetable. The temptation to go back out into the world, to resume life as usual, is overwhelming. 

Someday, when the danger recedes, the world will have to start over. That time will also have its challenges. Those who live through this time will have changed perspectives. The impact may last generations. Certain commodities will be more precious than others. Patience, hope, cooperation, compassion, and faith will be invaluable. 

Hazard Warnings

“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” (Hebrews 12:12-13 MSG)

Last winter, our running group came up with a way to help each other from slipping and falling. The runners out in front would put their arms up in the air whenever they slipped or noticed an icy patch. This helped the rest of us to know when to slow down and be careful. Runners will do this on rugged trails in the summer months too. They will yell out or wave their arms if they trip on a root or come upon a snake on the path. There is no reluctance or embarrassment about sharing this information. 

What if we were as willing to share our daily slip-ups with others? For example, I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. I have also had a few impressive moments. I am not as eager to talk about my dumb decisions and their consequences as I am about my achievements. This prideful habit is of no use to anyone. 

Calling attention to the hazards, the points where we slip and fall, could help the next person coming up behind us. It may prevent others from making similar missteps. If we are willing to be transparent, our transgressions can be converted into something serviceable. Let us help each other out. As we run forward along God’s path, let us point out the hazards we encounter without embarrassment. 

Communion Cycle

“For the very glory you have given to me I have given them

    so that they will be joined together as one

    and experience the same unity that we enjoy.

You live fully in me and now I live fully in them

    so that they will experience perfect unity.” (John 17:22-23 TPT)

All eukaryotic cells generate energy during the process of aerobic respiration. A sequence of reactions, called the Krebs cycle, takes place in the mitochondria of cells. In simple terms, oxygen is consumed, carbon dioxide and water are produced, and stored energy is released. This continual cycle of give-and-take--between elements, enzymes, and proteins--through membranes of the mitochondria--enable transfer of energy in all life forms. 

Something similar happens during eucharistic communion. Jesus breaks down the barriers, allowing us to experience Divine glory. There is a transfer of energy--from God, through Christ, to humanity. A continual cycle of give-and-take, of communion, keeps our spirits breathing. Through Christ we are unified. With Him we move. In Him we live. In the communion cycle we pray, praise, and become one with God.

Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen. (Doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer)

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Dropped on the Head

“You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something. You saw who you created me to be before I became me!” (Psalm 139:15-16 TPT) 

Have you ever heard that someone was ‘dropped on their head as a child?’ This colloquial term is a not-so-veiled insult that a person is stupid. I’ve always found this phrase to be especially sad. It implies internal damage from neglect. Yet, it also points to a truth. Negligence can have severe consequences on development. 

There is not much we can do about inattention from others. However, we have a certain degree of control over the care and respect we give to ourselves and those around us. We can choose NOT to drop ourselves on the head--to do things that are self-sabotaging. We can remind ourselves that God shaped each of us carefully, skillfully--from nothing to something. He formed us with a vision of who we are meant to be. He never neglects His creation, and neither should we.

Healing Light

“Then my favor will bathe you in sunlight until you are like the dawn bursting through a dark night. And then suddenly your healing will manifest. You will see your righteousness march out before you, and the glory of Yahweh will protect you from all harm!” (Isaiah 58:8 TPT)

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can kill many pathogens as well as cause cancer. UV light is strongest in certain circumstances: between 10 am and 4 pm, spring and summer seasons, near the equator, and at higher elevations. The ultraviolet spectrum can be broken down into different categories by wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Out of the three, UVC is the most potent killer of viruses. The earth’s ozone layer allows UVA and UVB rays through while filtering out UVC. Thus, the disinfecting power of sunlight is somewhat limited by the atmosphere around us. 

Our minds are often infected by harmful thoughts. Here are a few examples:  You are broken beyond repair. You have to manage everything on your own. Every mistake is irreversible. The worst case scenario is also the most likely. This limited life is all there is. Everything is meaningless. A God that cannot be sensed does not exist. 

God’s light can disinfect our minds and wipe away harmful thoughts. This broad-spectrum light is an effective cleanser for even the most virulent hopelessness. However, the atmosphere around us can sometimes prevent the healing rays from reaching the recesses of our minds. Intentionally positioning our lives in the direct path of God’s light, where there is maximum exposure to grace, is the best option. Consecrate your life to godliness, compassion, and integrity. Then God’s glory will be your vanguard and your rearguard. 

Crumbling Kingdoms

“The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble.” (Psalm 46:6 NLT)

The whole world is in chaos. Sickness and death continue to spread. The global economy is in recession. Schools, businesses, and services are closed. Unemployment is high. Suffering is pervasive. During these times of hardship and uncertainty, it is natural to be overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, and sadness. Most of us cycle through these emotions on a daily basis. 

We are not the first generation to face such immense calamities. The Israelites faced decades of affliction. They discovered much about God during times of uncertainty. They recognized the Lord’s presence. They sensed that He was a place of safety. As circumstances became more and more unmanageable, they learned to depend on God. 

“The Lord of Heaven’s armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:7 NLT)

Lord, help us to be fearless as we stand on the precipice of disaster. Strengthen us. Reveal Your presence. Show us that You go before us and that you have our back. Keep us safe. 

The Seeds of Good Deeds

“The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.” (Proverbs 11:30 NLT)

Every spring, I plan what vegetables to grow in my garden and buy the seeds.  I don’t randomly scatter seeds out in my yard and let nature take its course. Before planting, I read the specific instructions on each species. I soak the seeds in water to encourage germination. I prepare my seed trays with potting soil, plant the seeds with proper spacing, consistently water them, and place protective covers over them on frosty nights. Plants do best under constant care.  

Similarly, I plant seeds of good deeds thoughtfully. While random acts of kindness can be enjoyable and beneficial, systematic generosity can be even more fruitful. I invest in people selectively. Before making any big moves, I pray. I soak in the Word. I ask God for guidance, patience, and strength. I wait for the Holy Spirit to direct me. He gives me the seeds to empower others--to reach out, listen, accept, and show compassion. He shows me how to stand up and speak for the voiceless and how to explain things that are complex. He stays with me, reminding me to be protective and granting me the fortitude to remain consistent. In time, the seeds of goodness grow into trees of life, producing fruit and more seeds for the future.

The Family of Wisdom

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.” (Proverbs 8:12 NLT)

Wisdom has many relatives: Intelligence, Knowledge, Good Judgment, Discernment, Insight, and Intuition. They resemble each other, but they are not the same. Each one of them is valuable, but together they are of transcendent worth.

Intelligence has the ability to analyze, process, comprehend, and retain information. Knowledge has subject specific proficiency that he obtained through diligence and hard work. Good Judgment knows how to apply what she has learned from experience--from failures and successes. Discernment is aware that he doesn’t understand everything. He seeks good advisors. He can perceive who is trustworthy. Wisdom is the matriarch of the family. She has a deep understanding of the physical and the metaphysical. She knows what is essential, virtuous, meaningful, and eternal.

Chaneling Restlessness

“I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.” (Psalm 38:8-9 KJV)

When I was a child, students who were hyperactive or unfocused were labeled as troublemakers. “Settle down,” the teachers would say, as if children knew how to control their restlessness. Even as adults, most of us are unsure of how to manage the disquiet within our hearts. We sense a longing that cannot be described, a void that cannot be filled, a turbulence that cannot be calmed. 

“Spirituality is about what we do with our unrest.” (The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser)

Spirituality is the channeling of our soul’s unrest. Religious practices can be a form of spirituality, but there are many others. Any discipline that settles us down and keeps us whole can be spiritual. But what if we are unruly--dissipating our energy aimlessly? This, too, is spirituality, albeit a careless one. Everyone has a spirit, an energy within the soul. We all feel the disquiet, the restlessness, the longing. What we do with it, how we conduct ourselves, determines the trajectory and impact of our spirit. 

The Lord knows the desires of our hearts. He hears every sigh. When we channel our restlessness in accordance with His direction, spirituality becomes purposeful. The turbulence becomes a propellant. The unrest, which once resulted in disintegration, now leads to integration--our souls become whole.

Pandemic Lamentations

“My eyes are worn out with weeping; my soul is in anguish. I am exhausted with grief at the destruction of my people.” (Lamentations 2:11 GNT)

Every day the numbers go up--people hospitalized and dying, families struggling. Unemployment, loss, sadness, fear, and desperation are rampant. The streets are empty as people stay home. In this time of uncertainty and sickness, emotions feel indulgent. 

My mind cycles through grief, anger, and numbness; out of these, the last one is the easiest to express. Distractions, humor, exercise, amusements, and productive projects can all keep me anesthetized to a certain degree. I am unsure what to do with sadness. I am aware of how lucky I am, but I can’t help but weep for the millions of people worldwide who are sick, for all those families who have lost loved ones to this virus, for those in isolation, for those who are stuck far from home, for those who are jobless, homeless, and without basic necessities.  I don’t know how to deal with the anger--at the leaders who called the warnings a hoax and spread disinformation, who withheld testing for political reasons, who pushed untested drugs on healthcare workers while denying them protective equipment. My eyes are worn out from weeping; my soul is in anguish. I am exhausted with grief at the destruction of my people.