Dear St. Michael’s, I imagine if you are like me and the many people I have talked to this past week or so, your anxiety and concern are escalating as our next presidential election draws near. The Preschool is already closing, following the B220 schedule, and I have also asked the church staff to work remotely that day as violence at polling places is a new reality that just adds fuel to the fire. And as we get closer to the date, the rhetoric seems to escalate and it can feel as though everything hinges on this one election regardless of which political camp with which you affiliate. We are bombarded with ads, videos, texts and signs that are particularly designed to use fear and anger as a motivator to get us to vote their way. It is all around us- it likely starts to negatively affect our family relationships, friendships, and even coworker connections. In some ways this anxiety and negativity float around us invisible yet powerful.
And yet, we as people of faith, have something else that cannot be seen, yet floats around us and dwells with in us, and that is more powerful than fear. We have the Holy Spirit that reminds us over and over again in whispers, “do not be afraid.” Reminds us of whose we are, and that we are loved. The Comforter and Advocate can speak a peace that can take up residence deep in our souls beyond the fear that anyone can create. Over and over again, Scripture tells us to “Fear Not.”
In Psalm 20:7, it says, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Nothing calls me back to my center faster than this verse, and a song I used to sing growing up in the Baptist Church based on it. It is easy to get consumed by all of the fears out there- but in the end, in what do we put our trust? What carries us through any storm, any war, any election, and even death itself? What is the one thing that cannot be shaken? It is our faith, and the deep trust in the God who created us, loves us, and redeems us. Paul says, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 8:38-39)
Pray and breathe this week, my friends, and vote your conscience as we should do as good citizens of this great nation. And hold on to hope that regardless of the outcome of this election, God is still here and with us, and working in and through us, to help bring healing and wholeness to the world.
Join me on election night, November 5, at 7pm in the chapel for Evening Prayer and prayers for our country. Also, remember that the small chapel is open 24x7 for prayer as well.
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