This Is Where I Am

Throughout the season of Lent, we have been asking people to share some of the good news that they have encountered in their lives and in their worlds. The definition of what that good news is was left intentionally vague with the intention that people would share the good news as they saw it. The aspect of anonymity was chosen to allow people to share honestly and genuinely without any barriers. To that end, I received this note in the inbox for our good news and wanted to share it.

I am sorry but I cannot at this time of wars raging all over the world see Good News. Today’s "The Good News Is" devotion talks about signs of good news. Even with some local good news, that news does not mitigate all the bad news. I am sorry for being a downer, but that is where I am. When will GOD step in and stop this madness?

The main issue I have with this comment lies in the third word.

There is no need to be sorry when it seems like the good news that we’re all hoping for seems so distant. Since we’ve started this Lenten season we have seen our country engage in a new war of choice that almost immediately resulted in the United States unintentionally bombing a school when it was in session.

There is no need to be sorry when the good news does not make itself easily available for viewing.

In fact, I would say that seeking but struggling to find good news is a more faithful and honest way of living than blithely ignoring the pain of the world in favor of focusing solely on good news. When we see our siblings around the world suffer so greatly, it can feel disingenuous to devote all of our focus on the small pieces of good news.

I have been struggling with this very thing throughout the season of Lent. I’ve been stretching myself to identify the good news around me. This is why I have been so encouraged by the good news that has been shared by friends and members of this faith community. This is a foundational benefit of living in community together. There will always be times when I feel like I am struggling to find what is good. This is what it means to be a human being and to live in a world where people hurt. There will be times when I feel that way, and so I am grateful for my siblings who are able to carry the good news when I can’t find it.

There are also times when I am brimming with good news. In those moments, I pray that I can be that community member that carries the weight of seeing the good news of God’s kingdom while other siblings struggle.

I don’t know who wrote this, but I appreciate this person for sharing themselves with us.

To that person – I am sorry you’re struggling so hard to find good news. I agree that things are overwhelming and heartbreaking. I hope you are seeking ways to care for yourself and are treating yourself with kindness. There are good things happening in the world right now, but that doesn’t change the hurt that you are feeling. All I ask of you is that you keep caring about the vulnerable, keep investing in love, keep trusting in your community, and keep bringing your honest self to share with this family.

No apologies necessary.

Peace,

Jeff

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If you’re finding it hard to see good news right now, you’re not alone and you don’t have to carry that feeling by yourself. We invite you to share what you’re holding, whether it’s hope, heartbreak, or something in between. Together, we can bear witness to both the pain and the promise of this world. Join us at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church at 1200 S. Winton Road, in Brighton, NY. All are welcome here.