Preached November 13, 2016, the Sunday after the US Presidential Election
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah's Call and Sending)
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah's Call and Sending)
The holiest places we are privileged to walk are where another person entrusts to us their deep gladness or deep grief. Heaven and earth meet when we are called to attend to one another. If you listen carefully, you might hear the fluttering of wings, as the angels hasten to cover their eyes to grant a tender moment its due. Given an especially challenging situation, you may perceive the searing of a hot coal on your lips as you consider what words to speak into the sacred space. You have been granted entrance to the Holy of Holies: a tender place in the human soul.
“Woe is me,” says the prophet. “For I am a person of unclean lips, and I come from a people of unclean lips.” You consider carefully. What will be suspended in the air between you and this fellow child of God? What word could be true enough, and faithful; adequate to the gift of revelation that has been unfolded before you? For such access is not granted lightly. It comes only when there is something so great that the weight of it cannot be carried by one human soul. When it takes a second - a soul-friend - to shoulder the load - it is an honor and a privilege to be invited across the threshold.
Now and then, a tight-knit community is invited to step across. But sometimes, an entire nation or a world is unwillingly pushed across a threshold. These are not comfortable moments. Then again, prophets’ call stories seldom are.
“Woe is me,” says the prophet. “For I am a person of unclean lips, and I come from a people of unclean lips.” You consider carefully. What will be suspended in the air between you and this fellow child of God? What word could be true enough, and faithful; adequate to the gift of revelation that has been unfolded before you? For such access is not granted lightly. It comes only when there is something so great that the weight of it cannot be carried by one human soul. When it takes a second - a soul-friend - to shoulder the load - it is an honor and a privilege to be invited across the threshold.
Now and then, a tight-knit community is invited to step across. But sometimes, an entire nation or a world is unwillingly pushed across a threshold. These are not comfortable moments. Then again, prophets’ call stories seldom are.
None of us comes to this room today with precisely the same perspective on the election. You may be among the many people who were shocked by its outcome. Perhaps you are celebrating the election of your preferred candidate. Perhaps you are among those who have spent the week on the verge of tears. I make no assumptions. You may be thinking - “What is all this fuss about; it’s just another election - can we just get back to business?”
But we can’t. Make no mistake: there was a call story embedded in this week’s events. If you make any claim of being a Christ-follower, in this particular time, you are one of those being called. Church, we are being called.
The world stopped for a few hours on Tuesday night. Did you sense the threshold, the collective intake of breath? The prophet’s call is a holy moment - angels cry out. The earth trembles. In the face of such strong indications, we would be wise to attend.
But we can’t. Make no mistake: there was a call story embedded in this week’s events. If you make any claim of being a Christ-follower, in this particular time, you are one of those being called. Church, we are being called.
The world stopped for a few hours on Tuesday night. Did you sense the threshold, the collective intake of breath? The prophet’s call is a holy moment - angels cry out. The earth trembles. In the face of such strong indications, we would be wise to attend.
We are called to attend to what has been hidden.
I watched the TV news anchors’ faces and voices on Tuesday night. They were in shock - increasingly so, as the night wore on. The idea that Hillary Clinton would lose the election at this point had simply not occurred to them. It was an impossibility. It wasn’t until after the election that media began to take rural voters seriously. So much was hidden because eyes were not open to see, minds were trained into one particular pattern of thinking.
The pollsters were equally clueless; while some of the models showed a closer race, none of the mainstream polls had Donald Trump actually winning. How could all of these polls be so spectacularly wrong? Some voters were hiding in plain sight; others chose to keep their support a secret. In the wake of the election, there been some research which has turned up alternative forums in which radical conservatives were encouraged to keep their support a private thing, not speaking of it in public or “PC” spaces.[1] So much was deliberately hidden from public view.
Then, later on election night, when I began noticing a trend of increasing anxiety as I was watching social media. Trusting my instincts about people at-risk, and the tone of the posts I was seeing, I put up a posting of my own, sharing helpline and suicide hotline numbers. Someone commented with her disbelief that such a thing was necessary. Surely no one would consider ending their life because of an election. It was not part of her sense of the world that someone could be that profoundly unsettled; feel that at risk because of election results. For her it was a normal election. She lived in different circles; her privilege was hidden from her.
Most days we act like normal people with our midwest-nice coffee-shop chatter about the weather. But this week we were called. We are prophets. We must look deeper. We are called to attend to what has been hidden – whether by overly-comfortable patterns, or deliberate efforts to deceive. We are called to bring what is hidden into the light. [2]
The pollsters were equally clueless; while some of the models showed a closer race, none of the mainstream polls had Donald Trump actually winning. How could all of these polls be so spectacularly wrong? Some voters were hiding in plain sight; others chose to keep their support a secret. In the wake of the election, there been some research which has turned up alternative forums in which radical conservatives were encouraged to keep their support a private thing, not speaking of it in public or “PC” spaces.[1] So much was deliberately hidden from public view.
Then, later on election night, when I began noticing a trend of increasing anxiety as I was watching social media. Trusting my instincts about people at-risk, and the tone of the posts I was seeing, I put up a posting of my own, sharing helpline and suicide hotline numbers. Someone commented with her disbelief that such a thing was necessary. Surely no one would consider ending their life because of an election. It was not part of her sense of the world that someone could be that profoundly unsettled; feel that at risk because of election results. For her it was a normal election. She lived in different circles; her privilege was hidden from her.
Most days we act like normal people with our midwest-nice coffee-shop chatter about the weather. But this week we were called. We are prophets. We must look deeper. We are called to attend to what has been hidden – whether by overly-comfortable patterns, or deliberate efforts to deceive. We are called to bring what is hidden into the light. [2]
We are called to attend to those who are in pain.
There is a level of pain which may be obscured from you if you move in a more secure circle. But the world was strange on Wednesday. Drivers were distracted, schools were emptier than normal. As a pastor, I am granted access to people’s vulnerability on a regular basis - it comes with the job description. But perhaps you saw some of it this Wednesday, too, as what was hidden was revealed. Perhaps you offered some compassionate care to someone who was in shock, or filled with grief over the election results.
Perhaps you tried to tell them that it was just an election - that it will all be ok. Perhaps they looked at you as if you had two heads. Christ-followers are called to comfort those who are hurting. Efforts to say “it will all be ok” come from a good and loving impulse.
But we cannot tell people that it will all be ok. Because it is not. We cannot offer that assurance. Because it is already not ok. The thin veneer that papered over racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, other -isms and -phobias was already being removed before the election and has been stripped bare since.
The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Council on American-Islamic Relations both cite a spike in vandalism, threats, and intimidation since Tuesday saying hate group leaders, emboldened by the election, are encouraging their members’ actions.[3] These are very real incidents happening to very real people. Right here in our own community there have been incidents of hateful words shared in public forums. Students have faced consequences these incidents - and rightfully so. Failure to interrupt such behavior immediately will only allow it to continue, to become a new normal. This cannot stand. Not in our community, not ever.
However you voted, you need to be aware that there are very real fears being experienced by people you know. On election day, I posted words of comfort and hope from scripture and Christian tradition, not for abstract reasons, but because I knew there were people among us who needed it. I received text messages from youth and young adults saying, “I don’t want to live in a world like this,” and “I need my church right now,” and “my friends are scared.” The day after the election, we held the sanctuary open, and first one person came in, with tears in their eyes, for quiet conversation about their concerns. Then another, saying, “I just wanted to sit, is that ok?” before falling into my arms and dissolving into tears.
This week L[4] shared a post from her daughter, who grew up in this congregation - and I’ve been given permission to share these words here:
Perhaps you tried to tell them that it was just an election - that it will all be ok. Perhaps they looked at you as if you had two heads. Christ-followers are called to comfort those who are hurting. Efforts to say “it will all be ok” come from a good and loving impulse.
But we cannot tell people that it will all be ok. Because it is not. We cannot offer that assurance. Because it is already not ok. The thin veneer that papered over racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, other -isms and -phobias was already being removed before the election and has been stripped bare since.
The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Council on American-Islamic Relations both cite a spike in vandalism, threats, and intimidation since Tuesday saying hate group leaders, emboldened by the election, are encouraging their members’ actions.[3] These are very real incidents happening to very real people. Right here in our own community there have been incidents of hateful words shared in public forums. Students have faced consequences these incidents - and rightfully so. Failure to interrupt such behavior immediately will only allow it to continue, to become a new normal. This cannot stand. Not in our community, not ever.
However you voted, you need to be aware that there are very real fears being experienced by people you know. On election day, I posted words of comfort and hope from scripture and Christian tradition, not for abstract reasons, but because I knew there were people among us who needed it. I received text messages from youth and young adults saying, “I don’t want to live in a world like this,” and “I need my church right now,” and “my friends are scared.” The day after the election, we held the sanctuary open, and first one person came in, with tears in their eyes, for quiet conversation about their concerns. Then another, saying, “I just wanted to sit, is that ok?” before falling into my arms and dissolving into tears.
This week L[4] shared a post from her daughter, who grew up in this congregation - and I’ve been given permission to share these words here:
“The fear that this election has encouraged is real. My students that were not in class were afraid to come to school. My students are afraid they will be taken away from their parents, because they are immigrants or adopted. In the back of my mind, I thought these kind of thoughts may happen. I was not prepared for my own son to be worried that his Dad (who many of you know is from India) would possibly be taken away from us. I told him that he is a naturalized citizen who has been here for years, even worked for the government. He said “but mom, remember what they did to the Japanese. If that happens, what about me? Do they count the 1/2 Asian kids like me as the enemy too”? I’m still stunned.”
We don’t know what will happen in a Trump administration, although we do know what his campaign promises were. Christ-followers, it is on us to ensure that those on the margins are not abandoned. We can and must do our prophets’ work against history repeating itself.
There are moments in which prophets are called to attend. This is such a time. The vulnerable and their oppressors can both see this truth: “rape culture was just elected to the presidency. Racism, bigotry, [and homophobia were just] electorally approved.”[5]
And so, prophets, attend to what has been revealed! It should no longer be possible for your consecrated eyes to not see, your consecrated mouth to not speak, your consecrated feet to get moving, your consecrated prophet’s body to not stand with the vulnerable.
There are moments in which prophets are called to attend. This is such a time. The vulnerable and their oppressors can both see this truth: “rape culture was just elected to the presidency. Racism, bigotry, [and homophobia were just] electorally approved.”[5]
And so, prophets, attend to what has been revealed! It should no longer be possible for your consecrated eyes to not see, your consecrated mouth to not speak, your consecrated feet to get moving, your consecrated prophet’s body to not stand with the vulnerable.
| Beloved Church: At the beginning of our bulletin, we have an Open and Affirming statement. It is enshrined in the Faith and Covenant of this Church. This means something. It obligates us to more than sentimental or conceptual support. And God said, Who will speak for us, and who shall we send? Our social media pages say “Be The Church.” We have a banner that proclaims it in rainbow colors. It is past time that it hangs outside our building, in a prominent location for all to see. Who will claim this symbol, this public witness, and ensure that it happens? And God said, Who will speak for us, and whom shall we send? People are starting to wear safety pins as a quiet symbol to indicate that you are a safe person - a quiet symbol of allyship to show that you will not abandon those on the margins. Do not wear it lightly; it commits you to stepping in, to stand with someone when they are threatened. If you choose to wear one, consider what you will do when the moment comes. And God said, Who will speak for us, and whom shall we send? |  |
And finally,
We are called to attend to what is emerging.
We are called to attend to what is emerging.
There is a great deal which has been, and may yet be undone. For some it feels like the end of everything. But the reality we must face is that the situation, as it existed before the election, was untenable. Something had to change.
The great separation, division and fear that have motivated so much of our recent history are distortions of God’s most beautiful dreams for creation. The decisions and actions arising from those distortions run counter to the teachings of Jesus.
Christ stands at every crossroads. This breaking open makes room for a different future to emerge. Be ready to insert love where there is no love.[6] Hold out Gospel hope: though it may look like the end of the growing season, place something in the soil - whatever holiness you have to offer - and trust that God will help bring it to fruition.
It is our time, prophets. We have been called! Attend. Be ready to speak, to act. And for heaven’s sake: pray. This is spiritual work. We do not do it with the tools of this world. We do not do it alone.
Amen?
The great separation, division and fear that have motivated so much of our recent history are distortions of God’s most beautiful dreams for creation. The decisions and actions arising from those distortions run counter to the teachings of Jesus.
Christ stands at every crossroads. This breaking open makes room for a different future to emerge. Be ready to insert love where there is no love.[6] Hold out Gospel hope: though it may look like the end of the growing season, place something in the soil - whatever holiness you have to offer - and trust that God will help bring it to fruition.
It is our time, prophets. We have been called! Attend. Be ready to speak, to act. And for heaven’s sake: pray. This is spiritual work. We do not do it with the tools of this world. We do not do it alone.
Amen?
[1]http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/explanation-polls-wrong-us-election_uk_58234de2e4b0c2e24ab20c4f
[2] but everything exposed by the light becomes visible - Ephesians 5:13
[3] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/11/12/post-election-spate-hate-crimes-worse-than-post-911-experts-say/93681294/
[4] Names removed for the purposes of public sharing.
[5] Gratitude to Rev. Dr. Thistlethwaite, one of my seminary professors, for the truth and the phrasing. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-susan-brooks-thistlethwaite/doing-liberation-theology_b_12932050.html
[6] Saint John of the Cross
[2] but everything exposed by the light becomes visible - Ephesians 5:13
[3] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/11/12/post-election-spate-hate-crimes-worse-than-post-911-experts-say/93681294/
[4] Names removed for the purposes of public sharing.
[5] Gratitude to Rev. Dr. Thistlethwaite, one of my seminary professors, for the truth and the phrasing. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-susan-brooks-thistlethwaite/doing-liberation-theology_b_12932050.html
[6] Saint John of the Cross
RSS Feed
