Living in the Tension

Living in the tension

Drum sounds rise on the air,
And with them my heart,
A voice inside the beat says,
I know you are tired
But come
This is the way.
Rumi

I write this from Louisville Kentucky on a Sunday morning.  It is early and soon Audrey will get up and then we will go to Douglas avenue Christian church where she will lead a Sunday school class and then preach.

Yesterday we both led a workshop on living in the tension. It was essentially about the work of justice in the church and how it leads us into tension always.
It was  a small group that gathered yesterday of Christians who were gay, transgender and allies of the of LBGTIQ community.  And I heard lots of stories of how difficult it continues to be to live as a gay and transgender person today.  And how difficult it is to help a church become open and affirming of all people.  Of course there have been great strides in passing a resolution in the church and marriage equality laws in the country.  However, hearts and minds of many have not been changed.

So we who care deeply about this live in tension.  Because that truly is the call of Jesus.  When we understand that this is a journey of love for all people and bringing the kingdom of God for all people, we must recognize that it is not enough that our needs are met, we have to see and work for the justice of others. I keep learning that through this work, through the BREAD organization, through readings and relationships with people different  from me.  The justice journey wakes us up and in its own way breaks us open.

I finally finished reading Broken Open and look forward to beginning discussions of this powerful book.  In it's own way this weekend is breaking me open as I seek tom respond to Gods voice in this area.

She concludes the book like this:

may you listen to the within the beat even when you are tired.  When you feel yourself breaking down, may you break open instead.
May every experience in life be a door that opens your heart, expands your understanding, and leads you to freedom.
If you are weary, may you be aroused by passion and purpose.
If you are blameful and bitter, may you be sweetened by hope and humor.
If you are frightened may you be emboldened by a big consciousness, far wiser than you fear.
If you are lonely, may you find love, may you find friendship.
If you are lost, may you understand we all are lost, and still we are guided - by Strange Angels and Sleeping Giants, by our better and kinder natures, by the vibrant voice within the beat.
May you follow that voice, for This is the way, the hero's journey, the life worth living, the reason we are here.