A Word from Pastor Lisa: Becoming Fully Human
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
-John 1:14 (NRSV)
In this time of pandemic, one of my friends was struggling to be a good parent, teacher, and spouse. Her therapist told her: “Right now, there are no life awards, only attendance.” Many of us have spent our entire lives trying to achieve the next thing, to be the best that we can in some particular arena that matters to us. When all of that is stripped away because of the COVID-19 crisis, many of us are figuring out what it finally means to show up to our own lives.
It means we are becoming fully human. We are discovering quickly the illusion of control and freedom we once had. We are losing the mirage of busyness that covered our brokenness. We are remembering all that we took for granted. We are struggling with a loss of jobs or wages. We are suffering from the loss of loved ones. We are seeing the disparities in our communities based on race, socio-economics, and technology laid even more bare. We are concerned about those who lack housing or nutritious food. We are sensing how vulnerable we truly are.
In the mess of our humanity, I hope we’ll remember the One who is fully human and fully divine. The Gospel of John reminds us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God did not remain distant, high off in the lofty heavens, but pitched a tent in our messiness. God came in the form of Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again so that we could know God’s unconditional love for us. Our loving God is right there with us in the midst of this pandemic, offering comfort, hope, and the peace of Christ as we struggle together.
"It's not always possible to rejoice in our struggles,” writes Joan Chittister in her book Becoming Fully Human: The Greatest Glory of God. “But it is always possible to trust them. Then, we may surely give thanks, not for the blessings we have, but for the blessings we cannot see.”
What are the hidden blessings in this season for you? What are you noticing now that you didn’t see before? How are you sharing those blessings with others and giving thanks to God? Maybe you’re too overwhelmed in the moment, but I pray that at some point, the Spirit will give you the grace to see them.
There is grace in showing up right now–for God and for each other. There is grace in helping a child with e-learning when you’re both over it. There is grace in grocery shopping for a vulnerable person. There is grace in being alone when you want to be with people, and being with the same people when you really want to be alone. There is grace in our grief over the loss of lives and livelihoods.
In whatever struggles you’re facing, may you remain fully human-your real and vulnerable self before God and others. You are a blessing and a beloved child of God.