Ben’s November Letter
Dear Friends in Christ,
I had a conversation recently where someone reminded me that, before I went to Seminary, I studied Political Science. I remember a lot of my college experience, but the parts that are salient on a daily basis are the usually the friends I made, the clubs I was in, or the jobs I had—things that are closer to the work I do with you. But amid all of that other stuff—I did go to class, and I did major in Political Science.
And so it feels odd to tell you that, despite my “expertise” in this area, I have no idea who will win our presidential election. I don’t think anyone really does. I have gotten good, throughout my ministry, at reading anxiety in congregations and individuals. It started with reading it in myself. And since August—I have seen anxiety rise at Evergreen. Tempers run slightly higher than usual. Little things become big things faster than normal. People are warier of acquaintances than they were in July. Fear takes center stage in unexpected places—in long-range planning, in committee work, in prayer. You are, as a congregation, more anxious than usual.
Trust me: I am also more anxious than usual and I know you pretty well as a group.
So with no political prognostications but a fair insight into our collective psyche, let me share a few predictions for this anxious season:
- The winner of the election will be someone God loves and who Jesus died for, and God isn’t asking for our permission or opinion on that.
- People who disagree will find ways to reconcile and show love across divides.
- God’s people will do sacred work far from ballot boxes and beyond the scope of governments.
- A weary world will wait through Advent and rejoice on Christmas Eve as a child is born for us.
- Day will follow night. Spring will follow Winter. Resurrection will follow death. The world worked this way long before we had elections.
- The world will still be in God’s hands.
I am not naive or dispassionate. I have opinions of my own. But I believe in a God who is eternal, who is just, who is defeating death. Of what, then, can I really be afraid?
I hope you can take some comfort here, as well.
In Christ,
Rev. Ben