Magestic view Thursday, Nov. 21 from the Main Hill Road. Photo by Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry and Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church

Welcome to November dear ones. Have you exhaled? Have you found moments of hope even as we struggle with our ongoing division and rhetoric that does not meet its full potential? Did you join the movement of decorating for Christmas as soon as Halloween was over or maybe blended that holiday with Thanksgiving and Christmas? Do you feel like being an ostrich putting your head into the sand hoping this storm will blow over?

However you are feeling, give yourself grace. This is a challenging time and it is a time not new to us. I have found myself reading about the beginning of this experiment we call democracy and stand in awe of the warnings President Washington gave. He seemed tapped into our humanity and how we can miss the gifts of this experiment.

I imagine many of us have been reading and listening and looking for how we move forward. Maybe some of us have lost a soul mate or a relative recently and the thought of “doing Thanksgiving and Christmas” simply breaks your heart again. Maybe some of us have become unemployed and are wondering how to make the holidays special without the resources we once had. Maybe some of us are concerned about the state of our experiment called the US democracy, which we are still learning how to navigate 223+ years into its making. Maybe some of us wonder where are the moments of our “caring for our neighbor,” [Mark 12:31] “sharing what we have with those who have little”, [Leviticus 19:34] and our coming together for something larger than ourselves.

As my husband Ray and I read our morning devotions, a word from the 10th chapter of the book of Hebrews resonated with me:

“32 But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to insults and afflictions and sometimes becoming partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. 35 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.”

In this my last “All Shall Be Well” article, please know I am grateful for your reading and talking to me about what you read over those delicious Honeycrisp apples at Smith’s. I am grateful to God for Carol Clark making space for our thoughts and hopes. I am grateful to my colleagues from whom you will continue to read. I am grateful for serving at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for over 12 years.

Wherever your heart or energy lies, I invite you to find places where you can give moments of micro-dosing hope (Thank you Brené Brown) to our world: A smile can transform a day. An authentic conversation with those in your world with deep listening can change their day. If you ask “how are you?” please pause and listen well caring for the person in front of you. Consider making “special occasions” where you are, when you are, how you are. Pull out the best dishes, send the “old school” card, call that person who has been on your mind to share a moment of hope.

Finally seek out that faith community that will remind you of God’s promises. Mutual support continues to be essential to healing of all kinds. You are not alone. Learn that we are suffering together and yet in our journeys we can sustain one another with love. Amen.

Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy including ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com); Pastor Nicolé Ferry, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (pastornicole@bethluth.com); The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, Associate Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe (rev.lynn@holyfaithchurchsf.org) and The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com) and Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com).