God has given me
a trained tongue,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
On Palm Sunday, this passage from the prophet Isaiah really caught my attention. Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem was a counterdemonstration, an act of defiance against Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who brought himself and his troops into Jerusalem to quell any unrest during Passover. Jesus spent the next days teaching in the temple—following in Isaiah’s footsteps by sustaining the weary of his day with both loving and provocative words.
Sustaining the weary with a word definitely feels like part of my calling at this point. I’ve been blogging weekly for more than a dozen years now, and I know that my tongue—or at least my fingers—are well-trained at this point! I have sustained the weary with my words through the first Trump election, COVID-19, and many challenging times since.
I sustain weary people with my words in other ways too. Spiritual guidance provides opportunities to support and encourage people on the “front lines” in various ways, in ministry and in faithful living. My editorial work hones and refines others’ words so that they may sustain the weary too. In recent email conversation with a younger colleague, we reflected on having intentionality with our work and letting go of the outcomes because we don’t know how far the ripples of our words and teachings will travel. Outcomes are for God to worry about. Our job is to use our “trained” tongues to speak, write, and pray the words God gives us.
In this season of Eastertide, Christians focus on Christ’s risen presence with his followers—and with us today. With such chaos in the US and around the world, it might be hard to remember that God is with us, and God will hold the outcomes. It can be difficult to find hope—yet spring blooms around us, bringing the promise of new life on a daily basis.
In times like these, it’s critical to remember that Eastertide is longer than Lent. God’s got the bigger picture. Our job is to show up for what is ours to do. How is God calling you to sustain the weary with your words?
Where I have been placed in this here and now, the best I can do among those who are struggling is to remind them that they are so worthwhile. The Spirit of Love lives within and through every one of us … that is the strength that gives and sustains.
Oh, Mo that message is so important. I’m glad you are well-placed to share it!
Peace,
Shirin
Thank you Shirin for engaging in this gift you have. You are a blessings for many, including me! So many words that are cruel, self-centered tumble all around us. Providence counts on people who bear the gift of words!
You’re very welcome Adeline! I’m glad my words are a blessing to you—and others.
Peace,
Shirin
For me, it means not getting caught up in all the negativity swirling around us. I’m not a Pollyanna, but there are really good things happening in our world, and it doesn’t help anyone to join the ‘gripers groups’ and chime in with more awful stuff. I try to spread as much positive energy as I can.
I hear you, Aston, and I gladly join you in that effort. I’d much rather focus on bringing the good, the loving, and the beautiful into this world, in conscious contrast to what would harm others or break things down.
Peace,
Shirin