During this time of fear, disease and sadness, it seems we, more than ever, desire concrete answers. We want accurate tests for this virus.  We want to know the exact symptoms.  We want to know exactly how effective masks are (even though they are not all alike).  We want to know the exact “damage” that is caused by re-opening our community “too soon.”  We want a vaccine. And it makes complete sense, in a world of uncertainty, that we would long for concrete answers.  It makes sense that we would want black-and-white answers so that we can make the right decisions to protect ourselves, our families and others around us. But I am not certain that God always works like that. I am sure you have seen those memes going around that insist, “We cannot go back to normal, because normal wasn’t working.”  No gray space in that statement, and yet, in reality, I believe there still is.  Because, there are people whose normal was more than working before this.  I have friends who God … [Read more...]

When I went for a walk a week ago, I saw a mom holding her little boy and the leash of her dog.  She was hugging her boy to her chest.  As I glanced at them, I realized that I have not been touched – let alone been hugged – by a single person since March 14.  A friend of mine who also lives alone came to that same realization days ago. I am “not a hugger” normally, which can be a challenge in church.  During seminary, I remember a woman at church exclaiming, “We need to hug single people at church, because it may be the only physical contact all week!”  I was unsure at the time whether that was more about her desire to hug or her concern for those who don’t have a lot of opportunities for positive, connective physical touch in their lives.  I hug my little nieces and nephew when I get the chance.  And most of my friends actually are huggers, so, before all of this, I was getting that physical contact whether I thought I needed it or not. I’ve read articles on early childhood … [Read more...]