Pastors Pen Reflection
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
Buddha
Dear *|NAME|
*Another mass shooting, wild fires consuming everything in their way and continued ignorance at the political level; it seems apocalyptic. It is a sad truth that some in our nation embrace the destruction of decency, the annihilation of compassion, the abandonment of high ideals.
So far this year there have been 307 mass shootings the latest one in Thousand Oaks. Classrooms. Places of worship. Newsrooms. Movie theaters. Restaurants. Yoga studios. Nightclubs. Playgrounds. It seems there is no place sacred or safe anymore.
Will we ever address the issue of guns? Will we ever address the notion that our earth is in trouble? Will we ever address the rise of nationalism, of anti-Semitism, of racism, xenophobia, homophobia... it makes me angry. I cry not only for the losses but also with not knowing what to do with my own emotions and feelings.
A cult of violence bowing to the false gods of hate and fear has embraced ugly nationalism as its creed, and its sacraments are anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, and greed. This cult seems to be growing stronger, its worst impulses fueled by those in high offices that should be uniting, protecting, and caring for us all. I still believe there is a higher power that can restore us to sanity but as usual we must do our part. We must take care of ourselves, deal with our emotions by leaning on God and by putting our trust in God. We must continue to care for one another in positive ways that give more than lip service to service. As your pastor I need that care too! I work faithfully to take care of myself and encourage others to do the same. What will you do this week to take better care of yourself and help others to do the same?
Shalom'
Rev Terri
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