What To Do

I have never been a particularly fearful person, you know, the kind of individual who worries a lot about things that are unlikely to come to fruition. I confess to a bit of uneasiness during take-offs and landings when I fly, and that's about it. 

But in the past eight-and-a-half months, I've had times of downright terror when I look at what is going on in my country. Terror isn't the only feeling; there is anger; there is sadness, there is despair. And there is helplessness.

I remember how hopelessly said I was on November 9; I blogged about my feelings then. I said that the election may have changed a lot of things, but it hadn't changed who I am. 

Over these months, though, I've lost sight of that resolve. I've given in to fear and the other associated feelings. This morning, however, I received a none-too-subtle reminder that I'm not completely helpless in the face of our country's situation. I received a clear outline of what I am to do. 

If you attend a church that follows the Revised Common Lectionary, you may have heard what I heard. But if you didn't, let me share it with you now. It comes from the 12th Chapter of Romans:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God;[c] for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.


Comments

clevermom3kids said…
Thank you for the reminder. We need to hear that side of it too, don't we?
Carol said…
Nancy, I have no clue what the Lectionary is, never heard of it. But I am very familiar with the New Testament and those verses of Romans in particular. My dad was a minister and he and my mom lived those words every day of their life and modeled them for my brothers and me and for that I am forever grateful. Your post today is most touching.
Janet O. said…
Very good counsel for us all.
Quiltdivajulie said…
Excellent post - thank you!
Those are good words to live by. I can honestly say I'm pretty good at it. But the post brought tears to my eyes, because when I think about the BIG PICTURE..DACA revoked, North Korea on the verge of launching a bomb worse than what we launched on Japan, what used to be the KKK quite active in my area.... it's so hard not to let feel hopelessness take hold.
xx, Carol
Anonymous said…
Thank you. That certainly puts things in perspective.
Lori said…
I am trying to live with lots of big love to everyone I come in contact with. Actually, I am ready to make an appt with the tattoo artist to have it permanently etched so I don't forget!
julieQ said…
I am frightened too. It has been quite a week down here in Texas. Prayers all around.
Barbara Anne said…
Me, too, and I thank you for this wise, timely, and so very apt reminder from Romans 12.

Peace be with you and with us all.

Hugs!
old sew n sew said…
Like you I have felt all those emotions since the election, but unlike you I am not a woman of faith. However, I found a great deal of wisdom and comfort in the passages you quoted. I try to live a life of grace and kindness but #14 and #17 made me realize how angry I am at our current political situation, and that anger is not doing me or anyone around me any good. I have printed your post and will put it on my refrigerator as a reminder. Thank you for sharing this.
Pamela Kieffer said…
Thank you for sharing. Your blogs are always one of my favorites
suz said…
thank you for sharing this; I'm just recently catching up with blogs - been out of action for a while. Politics lately have me really scared, but this is comforting. I copied and will put it on the door to my sewing room, where I'll see it each day to remind myself.
LizA. said…
Thank you for sharing this. We haven't been to church for the last 5 weeks due to heavy weekend schedules of travel & Campout & long hours of work for dh so we missed this. I've been feeling much the same as you......as much as I'm addicted to the news to see "what fresh hell" 45 has done today, last week's 4 days of no news or cell service was a true blessing.