Nov. 18, 2020: 2020 Vision

2020 Vision

Today I met with a group of West Nashville clergy that gathers monthly to share challenges and ideas. As we checked in, it seemed almost everyone felt discouraged, disheartened, or frustrated. It’s not surprising that anyone would feel that way, but I realized I’ve been wrong (again) in my assumption that once the election was behind us, we’d have a burst of energy and a renewed focus. The reality is that even for those (all on this Zoom meeting) who were encouraged by the results of the election, we as clergy were still facing months ahead of trying to do the impossible: to minister to human beings across a screen or over a phone.

Maybe you are feeling surprised at how less-than-joyful you are!

Here are a few of our shared observations:

The results of the election were an affirmation of hope, but also of horror. We can’t deny the reality of the numbers. Close to half our citizenry voted to keep someone in office who lies daily, has committed fraud and other serious crimes, and who has exhibited debauched and deranged behavior. Those aren’t conspiracy theories. Those are facts. They’re in the open. They can’t be disputed!

The long-predicted “second wave” of the pandemic feels like being knocked down by a wave before we’ve even stood up. We ourselves may feel protected, but we are sharply aware of how many are vulnerable and exposed to imminent death. We feel overwhelmed by our inability to change that.

Many of us who have experienced emotional abuse, gaslighting, and worse are being re-traumatized. Yes, we are glad this administration will change. But we have had the blinders removed from our sight. We see things more clearly now than ever.

Even without the election, coronavirus has done this for us. As we find ourselves isolated, removed from so many of our distractions, we may begin to recognize things about ourselves that make us uncomfortable. Our vision becomes clear, and with that clarity a sense of despair can arrive.

(I fully realize how many distractions are still at our fingertips. For me, it’s fine to “escape” sometimes, yet I try to take advantage of all the virtual events and offerings to learn more about me, my vocation, and how better to be human. Elsewhere, you’ll see links for several, including a Nashville Thanksgiving Interfaith service that I recommend.)

Do not despair! You are not alone; you are part of a loving and compassionate community. Remember the saying: the truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable? I believe that acknowledging the truth is the only thing that will lead us closer to freedom, as individuals, as community, as civilization.

One minister shared this poem by Martha Postlewaite:

Do not try to save
the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create
a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there
patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself
to this world
so worthy of rescue.