For Such a Time as This
Tension. Can you feel it? Like an invisible fog—hovering, surrounding, infusing the very air we breathe. Living in the realm of the unknown is always stressful. Currently as a nation we are in limbo, with no clear end in sight as election votes are counted, then there will be recounts, and the litigation process to follow. Buckle up, the month ahead will be long and contentious. Similar to the anxious wait for diagnostic test results concerning a serious illness, worry and fear can become all consuming. Whether good news or bad, we quickly want to know the results so the process of adapting and planning can begin. Oh, but the ‘not knowing’ can drive us to despair.
“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14
“For such a time as this.” These powerful, motivating words were written approximately 2,400 years ago. Today we hear this phrase in the context of challenging circumstances, to rally ourselves on to courageous bold action. For Esther in the Old Testament account, these words were spoken to encourage her to move forward in steps that could have led to her execution. Her bold action could have resulted in death. “If I must die, I must die.” But her actions also had the potential to save many lives. Which they did—and she lived!
What if this is our time to live courageously and act boldly? To put to death our contentious selves and instead speak life to all whom we encounter. In this divided society of our day perhaps treating people with compassion and kindness is the bold, countercultural action. It’s tremendously easy to allow our critical, base nature to go unchecked. We frequently see this modeled by our political leaders and in the media. A tweet here, a dig there, and the war of words is well on its way. Anger, ridicule, contempt overflow with ease from our hearts and minds like a mountain stream turned to rushing river at first spring thaw. And just as dirty. Missiles of sarcasm and derision are launched, often without thought or care of the wounded recipient.
When I was a teenager I used to take pride in delivering a sarcastic, witty take down most often aimed at my sister (I’m so sorry sis!). As I grew into adulthood I began to see the effect of my toxic words. I began to value the individual as more important. I realized there is no honor in tearing another person down (even when wittily done). I matured. Unfortunately, the current political establishment would like to keep us bickering and childlike. They thrive on our outrage and division—and upon the resulting fear and hate. If we let them.
“For such a time as this.”
This is our time. Right now, in this moment, we can choose. To be proud, arrogant, superior—angry, bitter, depressed. Or….kind, compassionate, patient, and humble—for love to be our guiding passion. We can choose to disagree, even argue, and yet not destroy. To be generous in our thoughts toward others, giving the benefit of the doubt and not assume the worst. We can make the decision to walk in love and extend kindness. To consider others as more important than ourselves. And at the end of day, before the sun sets, we can choose to make amends, to apologize when needed, and forgive.
Here’s the thing my friend, the real kicker, all this love and kindness and goodwill will have an effect on you. Where anger and anxiety once simmered, you will find contentedness and increasing moments of inner joy. As you live in peace with others, you will experience a deepening sense of peace within. This is the very best kind of win-win.
Now is our time.
*****
Hope Will Rise
The world judges. Condemnation, so natural. Like breathing air. “Forgive seventy times seven,” Jesus says. “Love, as I have loved you.” Overflowing grace and mercy. Is it possible? To view one another through a lens of belief? Of forgiveness? Of worth? To bestow promise and not a curse?
Hope will rise, kindness too. Possibility swells. The future dreamed of—
unfolds. A people at peace, humble in heart.
Love and respect, the sweet aroma of this land. Breathe deeply. And please, come as you are friend— there is space for you here. Where “faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love.”