A part of what we are is a poetic community that is able to see beyond what is.
There are, to be sure, voices of hope. None of these are more powerful or compelling than the "I have a dream" of Martin Luther King, Jr. But such "dreaming" must perforce be grounded well beyond business as usual, and it is only the "local tradition" of faith that dares to speak in this way. Perhaps it is the case that a hope-filled future for our society depends upon the courage and freedom of the local tradition to speak beyond accepted categories for the sake of grace-filled newness. There is a "plan," perhaps, beyond our conventional possibilities. That "plan," however, requires "seeking with all your heart." Such a practice in a weary culture will at best be odd. But its oddness does not make it impossible.
Voices of hope must speak up or we will be left with the emptiness and despair of the present context. MLK spoke up. He found it necessary to lift up our eyes to the reality that was beyond the one in which we let ourselves sink. It is vital for God's blessed and beloved people to lift up our voices when the world around us (society and the church) is dysfunctional and willing to remain and even fight in favor of dysfunction. Unfortunately, we too often let ourselves be seduced by proper protocol (another way to say: You can't say or do that.). And yet, it takes a bit of courage to step up and work at painting another image of what can be. That is not always welcome. What we need to remember is like a graffiti artist, once the work is on the wall, other artists who like what it there will "tag" it with their sign. Sometimes the ones who step forward to point in a new direction need to see that there really are others out there who have dreams and visions of a new day.
Connection: One sign at the Wisconsin rallies was "Walk like an Egyptian." Yes, we need to get up and walk into something new - even when the newness has not yet started to manifest itself. We just might be the beginning of that manifestation.
When the poetry of your Reign falls upon us, O God, we encourage one another and one voice is turned into a choir of hopefulness. Continue to be the light that guides us within you unfolding Reign. Amen
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