Conference Minister's Corner 10.14.26
Rev. Linda Hirst
Acting Associate Conference Minister
We are being bombarded with political attack ads in the state of Maine as voting day, Nov. 3, approaches. We have been for months. I imagine you have been, too. We have started to mute them or even turn off the TV even when the ones supporting our candidate are on. It’s gotten to be too much. I can feel my soul being squashed (or sucked out of my body) with each passing day. After months of being told the world is going to hell in a handbasket no matter which party is in power, most of us are walking around in a dark cloud wondering if we, our country, and our world will ever be ok. And what, on earth, can we do about it?
Enter the phrase “Joy as Resistance." Maybe you’ve heard this. It reminds us that amid the dark and doom and gloom, joy is a force that says evil and despair will not win. Author Marissa Bracke, of “Americans of Conscience” says:
Injustice persists, and suffering is real. And it’s true: Joy does not erase what is heavy. It sits beside it. And it reminds us of what we’re protecting. Joy is a declaration: numbness will not be our default. Despair will not be our legacy. We will not quietly give up. We will remain present and connected. Joy is resistance.
So when you feel the weight of the world (or at least your country) on your shoulders, go and find joy. Be joyful. Find a moment where you see and feel God around you and give thanks. That just might sustain you today, tomorrow, and whatever happens on Nov. 3rd. Amen?
See you in church.
Linda