September 18, 2020

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me, thy rod, and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 23

In Psalm 23, David not only celebrates green pastures and still waters, he acknowledges valleys and death. Some would have us believe we must ignore the second, or at least stare them down. No. God does not promise we can conquer all fear and rise above all weakness. He says He will be with us. We find peace amidst the storms when we give up the illusion of control and learn to trust the Good Shepherd.

Godly Quietness: In 1549, Thomas Cranmer, wrote The Book of Common Prayer. Like the King James Bible, it is noteworthy for its prose. For instance, Cranmer invites us to pray for “peaceably ordered governance” so that we may live in “godly quietness.” Godly quietness. I’m not sure I know what that is, but I’m pretty sure it’s not what I read about in the news.

Celebrating Bush / Gore: I remember being impressed and thankful when Al Gore conceded the 2000 election. Even though Clinton and Gore were in power when the Supreme Court ruled for Bush, Gore conceded. I’d traveled outside the US enough to know that such peaceful transitions of power were not to be taken for granted.

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural: While I am being nostalgic for earlier days, I went back to Lincoln’s second Inaugural. You can read – or listen – to it here.

Enough Already: Count me among those who are happy that football is back, but who finds it quite weird to have golf, horse racing, hockey, baseball and basketball on at the same time. And yes, I do worry that NFL coliseums have simply replaced “the games” staged by Roman Emperors in Roman colosseums.

2020 as the new 1968?: After fires darkened West Coast skies, I started asking people, “When was the last time we had a year this challenging?” Responses ranged from, “This isn’t that bad. In the 14^thcentury over 100M died of the Bubonic Plague,” to, “This isn’t as bad as 1976. That was the year Suzy Homer turned me down for prom. I’m still recovering.” Most of those who gave it some thought pointed to 1968, which was the year MLK and RFK were assassinated, the My Lai massacre was uncovered, 100 US cities had protests, the Dem’s Chicago convention descended into chaos and the Anti-Vietnam movement was surging.

It’s still MLK: Those who know that I’ve been reading on race have asked for the “one book” I would recommend on the topic. I am going with an author: Dr. King. I realize some now dismiss him for being “pollyannish”, but the more I read, the more I marvel at his wisdom: 1) his call for non-violent protests; 2) his concern for the soul of the racist; and 3) his use of Kingdom language set him above others. Oh for more Lincolns and Kings.

Revelation in Song: Last week I noted that I am preaching from Revelation this Fall. If you want a quick summary of the Book in song, click here.

The COVID Puppy Boom: I was told there will be no sheltering-in-place baby boom, but that there has been a puppy boom. And though my data is only anecdotal, I think that is right. I see more people walking puppies than I see pregnant women.

Quotes Worth Requoting: “The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Without Comment:

Closing Prayer: Good God, may we confess your name to the end. May we emerge unsullied and glorious from the traps and dark powers of this world. As you have bound us together in love and peace. And as, together, we have persevered through times of hardship, may we also rejoice together in your heavenly kingdom. Amen. (Cyprian of Carthage – 200 – 258).