The world around us is filled with change and chaos, division and death. Nearly a year into the current US administration, too many of the governmental programs and organizations we relied on have been disrupted, dismantled, or disbanded, while others are acting violently and without accountability. Autocrats wreak havoc in the lives of ordinary people across the globe. People are being killed—many of whom never make the news or our social media feeds.
This truth is overwhelming and can lead to despair, but all is not lost. Many of us remain hopeful. We know we can make a difference—if not on the global stage, then at least at the local level. People are standing up and fighting back—peacefully when possible, though some are taking more forceful action. At this point, I believe that may be necessary, but I also know it’s not for me.
So, what is for me? The root of my calling, going back to an experience I had at fourteen years of age, is ministry to ministers—and I defined ministers back in 2016 as each one of us who loves others on the “frontlines” of life. I minister to a couple of people who have served as legal observers, just as Renee Nicole Good did. I minister to people who serve religious congregations filled with people who are scared, lost, angry, and wondering what to do. I minister to those of you who read this blog and rely on my voice and perspective to shed some light in such times.
And who do I rely on? Sometimes, it is the storytellers who give me hope. I have some long-term mentors (ministers?) who live in some of my favorite books. These wise characters are role models who respond fully and faithfully to seemingly intractable problems. Many of them live in science fiction and fantasy books, because these hopeful authors believe more is possible, beyond our typically limited understanding of our common humanity.
Today, I want to recommend a short story by a science fiction author, client, and friend, whom I’ve written about on this blog before. Margaret Babcock is a retired Episcopal priest, and she recently shared a short story (which I edited) on her blog that I found particularly hopeful. I invite you to read it too: https://margaretbabcock.com/wondering-about-writing-short-stories/.
What hopeful voices are you reading these days? What would you recommend to your fellow blog readers here?
Shirin, This past week was particularly tough for me. I have long thought that the charge of fascism was a partisan meme until I read a U.S. Army publication from 1945, offered by Heather Cox Richardson. Fascism ticked every one of the characteristics of the current administration. And then with the murder of Ms. Good and the obvious lies by the president, the vice president and the secretary of homeland security, the truth of the characterization of fascism fit. I’m the discussion leader of an adult class at my church and we have just begun Fr. Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things. I shared my distress at the violence and lies by our government, but during the following discussion, combined with Rohr’s observations, I came to feel the support of faith, of my community, and of wise authors like Rohr. Pazzzz t
Oh, Tom, I hear your pain, and I welcome your willingness to grow and change in the face of evidence. I am so very glad that you have a supportive network and wise resources to guide you in this tough time—and I’m honored to be one of them.
Peace,
Shirin
First of all, I read Margaret Babcock’s story. Wow! Powerful, and so imaginative! I was quite impressed. As for the hopeful voices I’m reading now, I recommend Brian McLaren. I’m actually in the middle of two of his books at the same time: The Great Spiritual Migration (which was written first) and Do I Stay Christian? They end up being hopeful because they present a picture of how we can remake Christianity by striving to be true followers, not worshippers, of Jesus: living the way he taught and not worrying about beliefs that we must adhere to.
Thank you, Aston, for your book recommendations. McLaren is indeed a powerful voice for authentic Jesus-following. And I’m so pleased you enjoyed Margaret’s book. I do love her creativity; it’s part of what makes editing for her feel like fun!
Peace,
Shirin