Check on your people
Practicing being beloved in community
A hurricane is approaching. I find myself refreshing my browser to see if there is anything more that could be known. How can anyone possibly know enough? When disasters strike, we are never really prepared. We try but there is so much that is unknown.
There have been enough storms and even more violence around this world that it is hard to know what to do. We feel powerless to make a difference. We want to help but we wonder if the money we send along for food and supplies will be enough. How could it ever be enough?
At times like these, it’s hard to know how to pray. One of my directees interrupted their stream of burning questions recently to pause and bear the pain just over the hills in Boone, North Carolina. It is so close and still so far.
I especially feel that distance right now as I spent all morning trying to figure out how to actually mail my ballot back to the United States so that my vote can be counted. I feel so far away as I continue to keep my eyes on the news. I’m thinking about all of the people I know in Florida. I’m lighting all the candles for their safety and protection.
It doesn't feel like enough but I think sometimes prayer feels like that. We put ourselves into the position. We open our hearts. We try like hell for that assurance of peace and love but it feels flat and hollow. How could it ever be enough?
These words are echoing in my heart through all of my fears about being enough in this world. As a pastor, I repeated these words time and time again when I presided over a burial. These are words that I know by heart and they speak a hope I am trying to claim. I find myself mouthing them to myself trying to remember that we are all connected. None of us is alone.
Still, we might feel alone in our worry and fear and so it’s a reminder to check on your people. Don’t allow that feeling to squelch your hope but reach out to friends and neighbors to ask how they really are. Give yourself space to truly listen to what it feels like for this person whom you love to be alive right now with all that is happening in this world. Ask questions. Share your care and concern. Listen deeply.
It might not feel like enough but this is how we will make the beloved community together. We build each other up in love. We remind each other that no one is alone. We are holding each other’s hands.
You might find that you need some space for yourself before you pick up the phone and reach out to others. I am holding that space with you and want to offer
’s recent post on sacred grief, rage and action. for your reflection.
As you feel ready and able to share, I would love to share in the experience you had of checking on your people. Do the conversation go as you expected? What more did you learn about love right now? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Maybe what you need is a nudge to get outside and remember how connected we all are. I’m thrilled to offer the gift of a retreat to you this autumn because I know you are doing so much and you might need some time to remember why all things things that fill your day matter. I am so grateful that you are out there and praying with me and so I’m thrilled to offer readers of Prayer Threads an exclusive discount. Use FALLCOLORS at checkout at Dandelion Marketplace.
