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

By Deacon Amy Schmuck
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church

Where is the evidence of goodness in which I can engage in hope? This is a question I ask myself often these days. I limit myself to 30 minutes in the mornings in which I dedicate to reading and then praying “the news”. This practice is helpful to me so that I stay informed, but I do not dwell and perseverate too long on “bad news” that could easily lead to an overwhelming and even paralyzing sense of dread and despair. Fred Rogers encouraged children who were facing times of disturbing news on the television or in their communities to “Look for the Helpers” and focus on that to engage actively in hope rather than despair. Thankfully (so far) my practice of “praying the news” gives God time to point out to me, where God is actively showing up right now. Here are some examples I can share from recent days:

When I attend a musical concert where every person is focusing their effort to give a gift to the audience as a team, I see goodness at work. They work together to honor a piece of artistry written by people who may or may not still be living on this terrestrial realm we call Earth any longer. I am reminded in those moments that community, togetherness, dedication, commitment, care, and love are central to that shared moment in live music. SO dear local musicians and organizations that bring us live music, please continue to persist in this beautiful example of hope!

When I see how people are continuing to show up to “do the work of Christmas” (Howard Thurman) which is to feed the hungry (LA Cares food distribution), heal the sick (all our nurses and doctors in the community), advocate for the poor and the stranger in our midst (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, Lutheran Family Services’ refugee settlement work, Self Help, Mesa to Mesa), and prison visitation ministry (Kairos) I see goodness and hope. That is what following Jesus looks like in our world today, and many are continuing on in the face of reduced or cut funding to “do the work” in spite of the lack of support or even the attacks upon the work they are doing from those in power. These faithful people are showing us a superpower in the form of hope in action.

When I participate in gatherings and collaborative work with the Ministerial Alliance and Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness in our community, I see goodness in our dedication to crossing perceived barriers of our theological differences to see our common call to serve the community and to do so in collaborative and caring ways together. This is goodness. This is hope.

When I see people asking one another “How are you – REALLY” and listening intently for the response in care and support. I see there the goodness and hope we are all a part of. We need one another right now to support and honor one another as God sees us all – beloved Children of God.

So, if right now the news and media are bringing you only overwhelming dread and despair, please reach out to one another rather than hiding out too long. Please go to a performance or celebration of art or music. Please give yourself a daily time limit of “news engagement” and then go out and “do the work of Christmas” in your own way. Please seek out sources of hope and signs of goodness. Your local faith communities (and their leaders) welcome you to engage in worship, in volunteer efforts, and/or to seek a listening ear with one of us for spiritual care. We firmly proclaim and believe that strength and resiliency are best grown in a “knit together” community, and not in isolation. May we all continue to both seek hope and be sources of hope around us. Amen.

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