12.14.23 - Psalm 147:3
Today, let the good stuff matter. Be a part of the healing and the binding of wounds. Become the person who others experience a compassionate and just God through.
They heal the brokenhearted and bind up our wounds.
I wouldn't call myself a happy Christian.
Advent or not, I'm just in too many circles where my disappointment in what passes for faith leaves me angry and disillusioned.
The televangelists begging for money, the misogynists abusing the pulpit (and the women in his congregation), the powerful using Christian language to oppress and commit violence, the thoughts and prayers, I can keep going but you get the picture.
The disenchantment I experience with how we practice faith (myself included) overwhelms me sometimes.
I'm no saint in all of this, no beacon of practice and consistency. I often feel as broken as they come.
So, I find myself wanting to heed the very thing I ask of all my clients, try and operate from a full data set.
All that stuff above is only part of the equation. There are compassionate, loving, connectional people out there changing and challenging the world. Many of them write in this space. They challenge my worldview and give me moments of joy.
Their work and words and wisdom heal my breaking heart, and bind the wounds I have trouble caring for.
So I'll offer this challenge to you today. It's one I'll be working on in my life and community. Let the good stuff matter. Be a part of the healing and the binding of wounds. Become the person who others experience a compassionate and just God through.
--Jason Whitehead