Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes.
They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. -Jeremiah 17:5-6
Oh Source of All Healing,
It is far too easy for me to cry out that I dwell in a parched land,
When in truth I know no deprivation.
The whines of inconvenience rush to my lips as
My heart ignores evidence of privilege.
I can easily find conspirators to swear to how I have been wronged,
Though my paths have mostly been smooth and opened easily.
Even in true seasons of need,
I have had plenty of provisions and been able to gain more.
I humbly confess, with the help of the Holy Spirit,
that I have cried “Parched!” in seasons of rain.
I have called “Peace!” when there was no peace.
I have pled “Justice!” when I rejected opportunities to be just.
I beg for your forgiveness,
The forgiveness that will bring the correction my repentance needs.
Let me walk in truth, in word and deed,
Supporting the work of those who are truly doing the work of your kin-dom.
Guide me, in my own silence, to listen to their stories
To have my heart broken open
To hear the call and be a part of work that is for wholeness for all.
Let me be prepared for my name to fade,
And the bloom of truth be all that remains.
Amen.
The Reverend Julia Seymour serves Big Timber Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Big Timber, MT. She blogs sometimes at lutheranjulia.blogspot.com and readsallthethings.com. She serves on the board of RevGalBlogPals, Inc. and is working on a book about the fruits of the Spirit.
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