I have written a good bit these past few months about the on-going pandemic and the possibility of its long-lasting impact on the millions of people. The obvious and direct impact has been the well over half-million deaths resulting from the COVID-19 virus. The Washington Post has published a beautiful tribute of stories about victims of this disease from the D.C. area. You may find it here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/04/06/dc-maryland-virginia-victims-coronavirus/?arc404=true&itid=lk_readmore_manual_12
We now appear to be recognizing some light at the end of this horrific pandemic tunnel, but still are learning the losses which may impact many for a long, long time. Examples are: friendships deferred and lost through isolation, deaths of despair from suicide and overdoses, school traditions such as graduation ceremonies forever missed, businesses such as restaurants and hospitality ventures shut down perhaps permanently, funeral rituals of support foregone, homes foreclosed and rentals lost – to mention a few.
Unfortunately, we also continue to notice the apparent breakdown of national social justice leading to deaths, unfair incarceration, and related loss of personal freedoms. Numerous and strange murderous shootings seem to be occurring regularly across the country. These losses should not be ignored.
Once again woven into all this are debates about weapons possession. I will not speak to this other than to express my absolute disagreement with people once again saying, “no more thoughts and prayers; we need action!”
Please let me explain. I agree we need ultimate action to deal with the foundational cause of social ills. There is a need for governmental action. However, the “campaign” to disregard prayer as a means of action should be rejected.
Prayer, for many people, is a real first step of action. Sincere prayer is a not only a genuine expression of concern for others impacted by losses, but it also is a means of invoking a greater power to help us gain strength and wisdom. Prayer helps us bond with one another in hope. Prayer is a means of mourning and often leads us to reconciliation with others.
I hold no grievance toward my atheist or agnostic friends’ belief that prayer to a higher power is meaningless. I respect and value belief traditions outside the Christian faith. However, my experiences of living and working in communities of faith have allowed me to see the incredible value of moving us together toward a universal love through prayer.
There definitively is a pandemic of loss in the world. My faith is leading me to action to help offer support and love for those wrestling with painful life issues right now. If not properly mourned, our broader culture will be scarred for years.
The word “lament” means to express a passionate sorrow or regret to others. In many communities this lament comes through prayer. I cannot understand why people denigrate such as expression.
If you have experienced any of the loss examples listed above, I encourage you to mourn, to openly express your sorrow publicly, and to know that there are people who believe in the importance of genuine prayer and will be thinking and supporting you in real ways. May you, in time, be at peace!
At Peace 