“I’m tired of being around unhappy people”

Somebody posted that on Facebook today. I understand, believe me. Unhappy people make me sad, and unhappy, too.

But, unfortunately, I don’t have blinders on.

I see the poor blamed for their poverty.

I see immigrants blamed for wanting to escape corruption in their own countries.

I see hungry people being demeaned when they try to access food – FOOD.

I see our government spending obscene amounts of money on weapons of war against our neighbors.

I will see people dying because they can’t afford their medications or a visit to the doctor.

I see people living on the streets.

I see privately owned prisons and “detention facilities” getting rich by warehousing people.

I see people in cities being made homeless by the effects of global warming.

I see young people who would desperately love more education being denied it because they don’t have funds.

I’m sorry, I can’t just whine about wishing everyone around me was happy. I have to speak out when I see injustice. I have to march, and make phone calls, and send emails and text messages, and nag, and point it out when I hear lies from elected officials or worse still from “nominal” Christians. I CAN NOT bury my head in the sand, and complain when other people are unhappy. I have to find out why they are unhappy, and I have to help them solve whatever problems they may have. 

30 Days of Thankfulness – 11/12/17

For the month of November, I’m going to try to include gratitude in all my posts (and post every day.)

Today I’m thankful to have a great supply of yarn and the ability to knit socks and caps and mittens and scarves. The bright colors make me happy, and the needles keep my hands busy. I hope my “busy” work also helps folks who may be less fortunate than I to keep warm in the coming winter.

Expecting the Word – Advent Two – Thursday

My Advent series this year will follow the Words Matter Advent study from the National Council of Churches. Download the whole booklet if you’d like, and follow along with the writings for each day. I’d love to discuss them with you. Also, here is a link to the Advent readings from the Inclusive Bible. I prefer the more inclusive language here, than the NRSV texts used in the study booklet (be sure to read the note on page 6).

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

I’m struck by the way Peace doesn’t come except when paired with Justice.

When will we learn that?

G-d’s steadfast Love and Faithfulness only comes to fruition when led by Justice.

Where is the Justice in the world when some children go to bed hungry, and others refuse to eat what’s put before them because they dislike the taste?

Where is the Justice in the world when some children sleep on park benches or in homeless shelters, and others complain because they don’t have a new toy?

Where is the Justice in the world when the elderly are reluctant to go to the doctor for fear of the cost, and government workers have only the best health care?

I understand that I can’t right all the wrongs, but just because I can’t do everything, doesn’t mean I can’t do something!

G-d, forgive me for doing less than everything I can.