It’s no small feat to be responsible for writing the Minister’s Message during the week that follows one of the MOST contentious times in our recent history. I have struggled with what to say and when to say it. And if you’re like me, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the cacophony of voices expressing their hurt, whether from past statements or recent actions.
And to be clear, I cannot even begin to address the layers of all of this in 500 words or less, while attempting to be nondenominational and inspiring. What I can say is that many people are deeply wounded emotionally by how we treat each other. For some, it’s based on what public leaders do and don’t do, say and don’t say. For others, it’s our closest friends and family members and what they share on social media.
A few weeks ago, I took my trash and recycling to the Central Peninsula Landfill. I go every few weeks, depending on what is piling up in my garage or if I’ve been busy with any big projects. I noticed that there is now a long sign on the window of the booth where you pull onto the scale. The sign explains that bullying, harassment, harsh words, and more, will not be accepted.
I was so confused that I did a double take and asked the person working. I said, “Do you really have that many issues that you need to hang a sign, asking people to show human decency?” The employee let out a deep sigh and explained that it’s gotten so bad lately and people yell at the employees. I said, “What could someone possibly be that upset about the landfill?”
Except, people are really upset. People are hurting — deep in our bones hurting. And I don’t have the answers for how to fix the pain, and I don’t want to come off as some overly positive person that isn’t acknowledging the pain. Yelling and screaming at a landfill attendant is unacceptable. There is nothing in anyone’s faith or non-faith that justifies spewing words of violence toward another. There is nothing in anyone’s faith or non-faith that justifies deeds of violence toward one another.
I came across Christopher Newell’s “Prayer for Peace” and it spoke to the deep hurt in my heart. His prayer references the heaviness of the world and the sleeplessness we can feel, while praying for peace. You, dear reader, may think completely differently than I do. You may work, socialize, and even vote differently. But my prayer for peace is for you. And for me. While I don’t have the answers for how to solve all of the dysfunction in our world, what I can offer is an invitation to peace. To put down our violence—in word and deed—and look for the value of the person we are bullying and harassing and harming. Period.
Peace be with you, dear ones.
The Rev. Meredith Harber serves Christ Lutheran Church, 128 N. Soldotna Ave. Worship is at 10 a.m. on Sundays in person or on Facebook Live.
