Daily Devotions
New devotions are posted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Black and White
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Ruth Hagander.
Have you ever been the only White person in an all- Black gathering? Have you ever been the “Outsider?” I had the thrill this past summer of attending a National Basketball Tournament in San Antonio, Texas. I was there to support my grandson and his teammates from Virginia. The games were held in a mammoth convention center with an arena that housed 12 courts. Numerous games, at different levels, were being simultaneously played. Ninety percent of the athletes, coaches, families, and fans were Black. My grandson’s team mates were 18-20 years old, high school graduates on their way to college. The incredible thrill for this “old White” grandmother was that I became the team’s mascot. I sat on the bench with the athletes; I was in the photos after each game, and when the team won first place after a nail- biting competition, I wore the same medal as the athletes. This was a fun and memorable experience, but more importantly, I experienced a vital lesson. As I reflect on my life, I have undoubtedly been somewhat self- righteous welcoming folks of color at church, in my home, or school. As a teacher, I have had students from numerous ethnic backgrounds. I have bi-racial grandkids, Latino nieces and nephews, a Black daughter in-law. It has come to seem natural, because this is family. But the tournament experience was different.. I was the “outsider.” The all Black team was the good will ambassador. They gave me smiles, hugs, high fives, lunch with the coach. It was a joyful experience that I delight in adding to my life’s tales.
I am reminded of this hymn:
In Christ there is no east or west
In him no south or north
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
Gracious God, You showed me what love looks like. Remind me of the healthy, joy-filled world you intended when you spoke us into being. On this Advent journey to Bethlehem, may we discover each other’s stories and learn each other’s songs. Unlike “store bought “ gifts, Love endures. Amen.
Previously…
Hope Without Grief is Unsustainable
Lately, I have been searching for any shred of hope the world has left to offer. I feel frustrated in my attempts as life feels like a cycle of never-ending, sad news. Tornado devastation in Kentucky, a new COVID variant, another school shooting, the death of a childhood friend’s parent, seasonal depression, increased cases of death by suicide, lack of access to health care for too many people, the list goes on and on.
Snow Came Down from Heaven
The cold, soft flakes of fresh snow danced in the wind around me as I stopped a minute to embrace the beauty of winter. Sighing a breath that I had been holding a little too long, I leaned my shovel against our maple tree and observed the still, quiet, and calmness of heavy snow.
Come to the Table
In yesterday’s sermon I talked about Shobi’s Table, one of our ministry partners in the St. Paul Area Synod. Shobi’s operates a “pay-what-you-can-café” out of a food truck here in the metro Twin Cities. You can imagine any ministry context that involves food and hospitality might be of particular interest to this former restaurateur. I recently received a letter from Deacon Kari Olson, the mission developer who leads this ministry and a real “foodie” of a kindred spirit. I want to share her letter with you…
Cream-Thickened Flour & Baby Jesus
Last Friday, my family travelled to Decorah, IA so we could take in “Christmas at Luther,” the annual holiday performance of the combined college choirs and symphony orchestra. Music was chosen around a theme based on Marty Haugen’s hymn, “Awake! Awake and Greet the New Mourn.” What was presented masterfully told the story of just how radically profound is the in-breaking of God into the world through the person of Jesus. Being in the midst of 500+ voices and musicians telling this particular story proved a powerfully moving experience.