In tomorrow\u2019s community worship service, I\u2019ll be sharing a song for reflection that\u2019s become an anthem for me during these challenging times. I\u2019d like to share the lyrics with you as well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI Am Willing\u201d by Holly Near<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am open and I am willing<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be hopeless would seem so strange<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It dishonors those who go before us<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So lift me up to the light of change<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is hurting in my family<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is sorrow in my town<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is panic in the nation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is wailing the whole world round<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May the children see more clearly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May the elders be more wise<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May the winds of change caress us<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though it burns our eyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give me a mighty oak to hold my confusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give me a desert to hold my fears<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give me a sunset to hold my wonder<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give me an ocean to hold my tears<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I find myself constantly returning to these words. They remind me that what matters most is how I respond when there\u2019s a swirling tornado all around me. Creation is big enough and powerful enough to hold my confusion and fears, if I can simply remain open and willing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course being open and willing is not always easy. Am I open to hearing and trying to understand all points of view, even when they\u2019re very different from my own? Am I willing to admit that I don\u2019t have all the answers and that I\u2019m only able to see things through the lens of my own experiences? Am I willing to pick up the phone and be the one to apologize, even when the phone feels like it weighs 1,000 lbs.? In the midst of hurt all around me, I can choose to take small steps towards peace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope you find some comfort in these lyrics as well. Today, may we all try to be open and willing, and may we rest in knowing that\u2019s enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blessings & peace to you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer, CPE Intern<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In tomorrow\u2019s community worship service, I\u2019ll be sharing a song for reflection that\u2019s become an anthem for me during these challenging times. I\u2019d like to share the lyrics with you as well: \u201cI Am Willing\u201d by Holly Near I am open and I am willing To be hopeless would seem so strange It dishonors those … Continue reading Reflection from Jennifer<\/span>