#UULent Day 40 (this past Sunday): mercy. I remember that game we used to play as kids- we’d interlock our fingers with someone else’s and try to twist the other person’s hand or bend their fingers until one person couldn’t stand the pain and discomfort any longer and they had to yell “mercy” to be released. It was a game of supposed strength, endurance, and pain tolerance. We did it for fun (that was fun?) but maybe it was really just practice for life. Kids’ play is often practice and skill-building for adulthood (which is why they should put it– although certainly not this game– back into the Kindergarten curriculum. But I digress, as I often do when Kindergarten comes up…).

I’m not actually ready to yell “mercy” yet, at least not for myself. I am aware enough of my privileges. I can work from home, I have a home, I can get groceries, I have family around me, I am currently healthy, and I have health insurance. And mercy seems like something we ask for when circumstances are extremely treacherous and painful.

But I sure wish I could just yell “mercy” and make the pain and discomfort stop for all those around the world who are suffering. I wish we could all fall down on our knees and beg for mercy and make this thing go away. We know it doesn’t work that way, so we have to sit and wrestle with this helpless feeling. Truly, we’re at the mercy of those working hard to create a vaccine and find medications that work to eradicate this virus. And, they will succeed. Mercy, through human agency- from those who chose to dedicate their life to public health- will occur and release us from the stranglehold this virus has on us. We can look forward to this blessing.

When it’s all over, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to get back out there into the world and provide relief- provide mercy- to those left suffering in the wake of this virus. We know this is more than just a biological crisis- it’s also mental/emotional, economic, political, and social. Those on the margins of society will suffer the most. Those already oppressed will be further beaten down. We will have an enormous amount of hard work to do.

That’s not to say that there’s nothing we can do right now. This past Sunday, I mentioned all that’s being done by this community even as we self isolate. Certainly, as a combined effort, our actions are helping to release some of the squeezing, twisting, and bending that this current game of mercy is imposing upon us. So, just as a reminder, here’s an excerpt from Sunday, highlighting the goodness of this community:

The story that is unfolding in this community is that we are supporting one another like the roots of the oak trees, and it comes from the deep spiritual desires of every one of us. Each of us has our own talents, our own ministry, our own role to play, even if we can’t be physically together. The stories that I am witnessing in this community are stories of strength and resilience. Those of us with technology skills are stepping up to make sure we can all still communicate. Those of us who love to talk to people are calling others to make sure they are ok. Those of us who can still take care of our building and grounds are doing so to be sure they don’t become abandoned. Those of us with plentiful financial resources are donating to a fund that will help those of us without. Those who can go out and still get groceries are offering to bring them to those who cannot. Those of us who can sew are coming together to help take care of health care workers who are, because of our interdependence, taking care of all of us. Those who can create are giving us beauty and humor and things to think about. And those of us who can teach, are teaching us new ways.

What more can we add to this story? Please email me and let me know! We are an amazing faith community. Our shared values of Connection, Love, and Transformation are guiding us into the future and will keep us strong, resilient, and powerful! Thank you for all you do!