Our first session came after having given the Ash Wednesday message at our church marking the start of the Lenten season. I don’t know if this was intentional on the part of Jer, Osheta, and the JOH team, but coming out of Ash Wednesday, I unexpectedly felt that my heart and soul were fittingly prepared for the launch of this cohort. I have come to appreciate the solemnity of this Christian observance, recognizing my finitude and all that I have is this one wildly precious gift of life. It has served as a yearly reset to ask myself, “what am I doing?” and “what will I do going forward?” to make the gift of life given to me count. JOH seems to be an opportunity to help shape how I choose to honor the gift of life by working in like-minded solidarity with others to do the hard work of active peacemaking.
Hearing the respective stories of Jer and Jesse quickly made me feel inadequate for the work ahead. But I had to remind myself that my journey and my story is uniquely my own. Where I find my place, where I’m rooted, how I see my identity, provide the framework in where I’m called to action. I can’t appropriate the ache and call of others as it wouldn’t be genuine work that I may be called towards. I’m still not sure how to narrow my ache to then provide a clear call. However, I’m learning to sit in this unknown, having hope that as I listen and learn it will one day soon be evident, and I’m quite okay with this.
Perhaps this odd sense of calm in the face of uncertainty comes from my Ash Wednesday self-reflection. Although I may be dust, and one day I will return to dust, following in the way of Jesus still reminds me that my life is not without meaning, but in partnering with Christ and others, something good and life-giving can come if I’m willing to submit. Submit my sense of inadequacy. Submit the idea of not belonging. And submit to whatever else may hinder me from believing that I can do the work of peacemaking in a world that desperately needs it. This leads to a sense of hope. I’m hopeful because of this opportunity.
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Yes and amen to the notion that we cannot borrow someone else’s ache. My hunch is deepening that within each of us exists an ache that is unique to who and how we are. And that part of our journey as peacemakers is to discover it, name it, interrogate it, understand it, and befriend it. What you’ll find in this particular cohort, is that ache won’t dissipate…it will only deepen…and become a part of the fuel of your restorative practice. I’m eager to watch and learn with you and from you as your ache surfaces.
That phrase really stood out: “ like-minded, solidarity with others” I have such an anticipation, a genuine excitement about all that I am going to learn from you, and all the others in this group, with such unique backgrounds and skills and talents. Thank you.🙏
I appreciate your perspective on this “one wildly precious gift of life.” Each day is pilgrimage toward transformation (to borrow language from today’s session). Your thoughts give me pace to take each moment intentionally and not look too far ahead.
What a beautiful reminder of the season of Lent and how it is such a beautiful way to start this journey. Sammy, I so resonate with your feelings of inadequacy, and then I just love your turn towards the contentedness of the wait. I join with you in waiting for a genuine, unique call. Looking forward to seeing how this journey continues to form you.