Dear Hyde Park Family,

The following is a pastoral word I had intended to share regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s elections.

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

First, I want to acknowledge what a stressful season of uncertainty this has been for all of us. In our staff chapel last Tuesday, I shared with the team that I had never before equated election polls with spaghetti models, yet both have been eliciting the same emotions of worry and anxiety for many people for the last two months.

So, the first pastoral word I offer is to be gentle and gracious with yourself. This is not to repress or deny whatever else you may be feeling; indeed, that may only strengthen the intensity of those other emotions. Instead, be intentional about breathing, connecting with others for support, and finding beauty in each moment.

WORK FOR THE GOOD, EVEN WITHIN YOURSELF

The second pastoral word comes from my scripture and prayer time this morning. Consider the following verses:

“All the ways of people are pure in their eyes, but the Lord tests the motives. When people draw favor from the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” (Proverbs 16:2,7)

“Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15)

The broken nature of our politics and our deeply polarized society have only intensified our responses to winning and losing. Yes, elections matter. The support you show to your causes and candidates is meaningful and impactful work, and your vote is, as Sen. Rev. Rafael Warnock said, “a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.”

At the same time, if we assign ultimate power to our political systems for enacting God’s vision for our lives and our world, then it becomes idolatrous.

Instead, it is by the grace God that we can do the work of love and justice that the world needs, to transform lives and communities. Paul summoned us to “shine like stars in the world.” And as the poet Rumi said, “If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.”

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

You are not alone. You are part of a faith community here that is committed to the work of love and justice, regardless of who is in political power. We remain open as ever to a diversity of people and perspectives, called to love God and love all. We will continue doing acts of both compassion and justice, to transform lives and the world around us.

On my Facebook page the morning of the election, I offered the following words:

“Went on a longer run than usual this morning, praying for our country most every step of the way. That I might lean into what is uncertain, cling to what is reliable and trustworthy, and renew my commitment to God’s ongoing call to love and justice. Because no matter what happens, the politics of God is grander and even more demanding than the partisanship of the world.” (November 5, 7:22am)

Ultimately, friends, we are here to support you, love you, and pray for you, no matter what you are feeling. Please let a member of the clergy team know if we can help you.

Grace and Peace,