Empire will never roll out the red carpet for Love's dreams

The day after

Well.

There’s somehow so much to say and nothing to say in the same breath.

For those of my readers who live beyond the shores of the United States, I’m so very sorry. Our country went off the rails and elected a convicted felon as our leader.

For those of you who have the distinct honor of being American citizens today. how are we making sense of this?

Yesterday I cycled between the chaotic emotions known as blind rage, terrible sadness, resolute commitment, flippant humor, numb shock, weird acceptance, and burn-it-all-down-rage again.

I spent most of the day texting with beloved people in my life who are first on the chopping block of his Project 2025. Abject terror and despair was the theme. I feel powerless beyond creating space to listen, validating it all, and promising to do anything we can to protect them. Which isn’t powerless, but still. I’m waiting for the adults to come fix this whole situation. Then I realize we’re the adults. Ugh.

My best choice yesterday was a long walk early in the morning fog. Movement immediately softens the frozen energy in my body and welcomes emotions to activate and swirl. Don’t worry, neighbors. I’m that pastor girl in your porch cameras walking the neighborhood and crying.

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Elections have a way of helping us hear the truth about the land we live in. Some will resonate with the truth that’s revealed. Some will feel devastated.

Regardless of where one falls on that continuum, uncovering that truth is actually really helpful in the work of healing and community-building. While it certainly brings up complicated emotions, it also points directly to the places where Love’s visions for us are not yet realized. And that can feel terrible.

But one thing we know about the character of Love is that Love delights in the truth. For there to be transformation, there must first be truth. We are invited to be people of faith and trust as we look directly at the truth of our communities. Whether we like that truth or not.

In these early days, there will be a temptation to intellectualize and stay up in our heads about why this or why that. Sure, our brain is trying to figure out something it might not understand. But don’t forget your body. Makes space to feel whatever comes up. Love the parts of you that hurt. Be curious about the rage. Check in with a few friends. Thank the organizers and volunteers. Move your body. Drink water. Care for you.

Photo by Anthony Intraversato on Unsplash

Because here is what is still abundantly true.

Love has been telling a story about humanity for thousands of years. Painting a picture through bumbling and brilliant humans of how a different kind of love wants to welcome everyone home. And the best news this morning? Love is still 100% committed to that active dream.

I thought about the community we cultivate in my local church and so many of you are committed to in your own communities. As my tears dried and my feet walked the pavement, I felt a deep commitment rise up within me.

We are creating the very thing that we wish was normal and natural all over the world. A space of equality and empathy. Of caring for each other and advocating for the rights of people who are dehumanized. Of flipping tables of abusive power and lighting candles for peace. Of setting out one more chair for anyone who wants to belong. Of following Jesus into the beauty, delight, pain and heartache of our world. A community of unconditional love.

We get to embody and practice the very thing we long to see in the world! It's more important than ever.

One of my hopes for each of us this week is that we allow multiple things to be true at the same time.

One can express, feel, and metabolize very complex and challenging emotions without giving into despair.

And.

Our work continues.

Here's a little poem I tapped out on my phone for these days. May it land in the space that aches.

power
empire
and fear
will never
roll out the
red carpet
for love’s
dreams

that’s our job

we grieve
we rage
we feel
we move
we liberate
we interrupt
we rest
we imagine
we nurture joy
we listen
we love

Photo by Maria De Oliveira on Unsplash

Friends, you are so deeply loved by God and by this community.

We stand ready to protect those among us whose rights may be threatened. We stand ready to bless each other with what is most true. We stand ready to hug and act and pray our way to Love’s dreams. May it be so.

P.S. Want to share how this is landing for you? My inbox is always open. Hit replay and send me a note. I'd love to hear from you. Truly.

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