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“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

These have been the words of my prayers for the past few days. Whether it is to overcome stage fright, awaiting lab results, or reading about the violence in the world, both local and global. These words have served as a balm…kind of.

I say “kind of” because it is not as if saying this Psalm takes away all fear and anxiety. The fear is still there. In my shoulders, in my jaw, in my responses, and in my inactivity. The fear is often still present. But these words remind me where I can place these feelings and where I can place my trust. This temporary release from fear allows me moments of clarity to question what it is I am truly afraid of. Comfort? Things? Pride? Privilege? Respect? Likability?

I had hoped today’s readings would include angels. I wanted to continue the string of connecting these Lenten posts to the Lectionary.

Anyway…

Thoughts of my Dad, born in Richmond like Russell and a giant Seahawks fan very late in his life, are ever-present.

Thu – Mar 10 Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18 Philippians 3:2-12 Psalm 27

I don’t like to think Job lost his sons and daughters, all of them, in the first chapter. Or that not one, but two, of my friends broke an ankle on the same day. Not to mention the surgeries I know of today. And the struggling children. Of course, I hate considering war in Ukraine.

Then again, it sure puts the trade of Russell Wilson to Denver in perspective.

Wed – Mar 9 Job 1:1-22 Luke 21:34—22:6 Psalm 17

Awake before rising

               wanting to ease her pain and

               mend her broken ankle.

Because of this dear one, my Bible is near at hand

               and marked with today’s readings.

The psalmist wrote long ago:

Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry;

Give ear to my prayer for her,

Guard her as the apple of your eye;

Hide her in the shadow of your wings,

               for she is a herald of righteousness.

Bless and encourage my friend, Lord,

               as she in her fresh beauty and enthusiasm,

               has encouraged me.

Readings

Tue – Mar 8 Zechariah 3:1-10 2 Peter 2:4-21 Psalm 17

Last night in class, we reflected on Picasso’s Guernica. First, we studied the painting in silence for 60 long seconds. Next, we shared the details we saw, then thoughts and feelings about this work of art. It is reminiscent of the photos from Ukraine that flash across our screens and imaginations. We are bereft about the dismembered bodies and misery before us.

The goodness comes only because we can hold each other in the darkness, speak the chaos, shed warm tears and pray together. God willing, we will find more ways as community to address the pain.

Readings

Mon – Mar 7 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 1 John 2:1-6 Psalm 17