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For some reason music seems to be calling to me during these days. I, as a rule, am generally not a musically gifted person. I took piano for a number of years and appreciate music but my gifts lie elsewhere. That said however, I do recognize the power music has to convey reassurance during times of challenge like we are experiencing now and am so appreciative of the various ways it can move us to sense God's presence anew. May you be reassured this evening as you hear these words from the St. Olaf choir first recorded back in 2012. And may God indeed abide with you.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Update: From Becky Miller in Atlanta, Georgia - another version of Abide with Me for you.
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One of the unexpected gifts that I have received over the past few days during this pandemic has been the accompaniment from our friends serving in Nepal. For those who don’t remember or haven’t heard, we have friends from our local YWAM base that we have been supporting and journeying with for the past 3-4 years or so. (I’m purposely not using their names due to the sensitive nature of their ministry.) On several occasions now they have reached out to share how they are doing, express their prayers for us and thank me/us for our walking with them. And they have also shared their journey through songs that they have said are giving them strength right now. It is a witness to the ways in which music can be a way for us to unite across time zones, across shut doors, across whatever barriers we or the world may need to erect. I thank them for their sharing and share their latest offering with you now. It is a piece from Sandra McCracken called “My Soul Finds Rest” based upon Psalm 62. I’ve copied the Psalm below and a link to the song on youtube below it. Enjoy.
 But, they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with fumes but blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood so that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary. All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting all over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way all over the world people are waking up to a new reality to how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To Love. So we pray and we remember that Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen. Behind the factory noises of your panic the birds are singing again the sky is clearing, Spring is coming, And we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul and though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing.  Pandemic
What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath-- the most sacred of times? Cease from travel. Cease from buying and selling. Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life. Center down. And when your body has become still, reach out with your heart. Know that we are connected in ways that are terrifying and beautiful. (You could hardly deny it now.) Know that our lives are in one another’s hands. (Surely, that has come clear.) Do not reach out your hands. Reach out your heart. Reach out your words. Reach out all the tendrils of compassion that move, invisibly, where we cannot touch. Promise this world your love– for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, so long as we all shall live. –Lynn Ungar 3/11/20  “Conversations will not be cancelled.
Relationships will not be cancelled. Love will not be cancelled. Songs will not be cancelled. Reading will not be cancelled. Self-care will not be cancelled. HOPE will not be cancelled. May we lean into the good stuff that remains.
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Psalms in the World
These are all simple readings of the assigned Psalms for each Sunday. They are read from a unique spot in our area and meant to inspire, comfort and perhaps challenge the faithful. May you be so moved today! AuthorThe people of God seeking guidance and comfort during these challenging days. Archives
July 2022
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