Sharing Our Grief

This month we gathered together to practice lament, recognizing that grief work  helps to build our muscles for grieving when we find ourselves in the depths of grief. Though it is a vulnerable thing, lament is best done in community.

This passage from the prophet Isaiah seemed like it was written for today, as we carry grief for the violence and injustice happening in Gaza and Israel, and recognize that violence impacts both people and the more-than-human world.

Isaiah 33:7-9 (The Message)
But look! Listen!
    … men weep openly.
    Peacemaking diplomats are in bitter tears…
The peace treaty is broken,
    its conditions violated… 
The very ground under our feet mourns,
    the … mountains hang their heads…
    and the forests… ? Bare branches.

We suffer together with all creation. Wars and disasters decimate people, land, water, and the creatures who live in its wake. For our wandering & wondering time, we were invited to take time to be attentive to the heartaches and injustices of the world, of our lives, and of the land.  Where is God in the midst of grief and injustice?

Great Mystery, God of Peace, 
we stand together 
in community with all creation,
living and dying
​and longing for new life.
Receive our tears. 
Lighten our hearts. 
Heal our sorrows. 
Carry us forward. 
Amen.