the one who created you, Jacob,
the one who formed you, Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name;
you are mine.
-Isaiah 43:1
The self-reflective nature of this song is resonating with
me today. Beginning with Ellie Goulding’s opening lines “I had a way then,
losing it all on my own. I had a heart then, the queen has been overthrown,"
moving to Lupe’s jolting entrance with “So, what are you going to stand for?”
He proceeds to answer the question of himself while reflecting on the history
and culture that inform his choices. The song is packed with allusions and
commentary, which may or may not ruffle your feathers.
Regardless, for me, the model holds. This is the time of
year when we reflect, look at our lives, spare a moment for a little critical
analysis. For me this is less than comfortable territory and, many years, gets
relegated to the minutes that elapse between some party-goer asking about my
New Year’s resolutions and me shoving food in my mouth to buy thinking time.
But what if that wasn’t it this year? Can I take some moments to look at myself
and assess honestly? What has been overthrown
in my life? What is calling me home? What
do I see that needs to be illuminated?
And what am I wrestling? Maybe these
aren’t even my questions but they are an entry point.
**Some strong language
One way we hope forward is to summon the courage to question
ourselves.
Though it is not the case
for our friends in the southern hemisphere, I do frequently reflect on the
placement of Christmas (and in fact celebrations in many religious traditions) during winter months. In the short, dark
days when we become sedentary and quieted and ruminative, comes a celebration,
a hope, a light. It is that light of Christmas that illuminates my reflection,
that hope that gives me courage to question and boldness to look honestly at
myself. For when Christ , Divine Love,
was born into the mess and poverty of a stable, it meant that Divine Love could
dwell in the mess of my life too; and if God’s grace is great enough to hold
the world in a reparative embrace, then that grace can also surround all that I
discover within myself.
So, I am taking some moments this week to live into that
love and grace and ask some questions-
Where am I? How am I? What am I standing for? How am I affecting the lives of others? How are others affecting my life?
-as I hope
forward into the New Year.
May we question courageously, secure in the hold of God's grace.
-Lindsey
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