In last week’s email I asked you how you were doing. The email went out on election day, and some of you answered me that day; some of you replied later in the week after the results were announced. Here were the key words from your emails to me: numb, weary, stressed, worried, disappointed, fearful. I can relate. But some of your emails included coping mechanisms, testimonies of resilience, and sources of hope.
Wherever you fall on the optimism-despair continuum right now, I hope our new content this week will speak to and encourage you. Brandon Ambrosino reflects on a phrase that was used in this campaign cycle—“Jesus is Lord”—and decides it has no place in our politics. Yolanda Pierce, in a piece she presciently wrote months ago, describes what lake effect snow taught her about trusting God in uncertain times. Our latest essay contest was based on the prompt “Help,” and our winning essays tell beautiful stories of care and compassion.
“The phrase ‘Jesus is Lord’ should not be used in American politics because rather than validating any party platform, it actually runs counter to the entire political process.”
“These years helped me to distill an important truth to its very essence: the unpredictability of life is bearable because we serve a sure, steady, and certain God.”
Theologian Raúl E. Zegarra chats with Jon about his personal relationship with Gustavo Gutiérrez, the ongoing work of liberation theology, and our current political moment.
“He said again, ‘You’re a good man,’ then added, ‘for an old man.’ Bill’s blessing felt like an ordination, at once empowering and utterly humbling.”
– Bob Cantrell, one of the winners in our latest Readers Write essay contest
“I am Abel who never saw it coming. I am Lazarus, raised from the dead, waiting for a second death. I am Samuel here to say that even when you’re dead they won’t leave you alone.”
