the bravest one

I saw a post today from a friend who displayed the most bravery I have seen in awhile.  My friend was being honest and reflective but what struck me the most was the amount of courage it took to say the words.  "Say the words mama" have become a theme this season.  Wonder why?  With everyone screaming about "their" rights and making public so many thoughts, I begin to question, "Where did privacy go?"

It seems to be a an issue of commitment.  Commitment to the body in which hears my voice and the commitment or dependence on the Lord that HIS grace will (surely) be enough, even if all or everyone else fails.  To live this out is often flooded with vulnerability; not knowing what others will do or say.   And often, as seen in the church, what is said in the whispers behind smiles.  It's always the aura that fills the hallways and hushes the spoken word but it is Loud, it penetrates.  How can something be loud and not be heard? Or silent and be 'screamed' where it's impossible to overlook.  We see it happen in a variety of circles and is most hurtful in our closest of communities.

Yet we still pretend and play the game.  When something strikes too sharply, we might disengage or slightly, quietly disappear.   The system at play continues to search for life-sources.  This aspect of community is dangerous but rarely addressed.  It just might hurt someones feelings or "call-out" the Pharisaical like behaviors.  Now we have no problems addressing the issues of others but let's not get too close to meddling.  I just might be convicted to my role in the communal sin.

If "it's" said just right and nobody gets hurt, I get my voice heard and hopefully the underlying message will be understood and translated into action.  As I write this, my words sound like code for a insular group...yuck.  But I know this is the case.  I have been on both sides, contributing to the success or well-intentions of both parties.  Fully committed to the system at play.

God, guard our hearts from being lured into this society of pretend, bathed in your name.  Guard our words/actions to be FULL of grace, when breathed by your breath, is sufficient.  Allow us to pour mercy and heap love again outsourced by your Perfect Love that casts out fear.  Give us courage, like my friend, to find community and lean into that community as we, followers together, lean into you.  May we hide together where you cover us by the cleft of the rock, instead of making our voices like clanging cymbals.  Together we will humbly fall at your feet, realizing WE are all separate from your image yet you carve us into your sweet family.  Amen.