Listen

The Lord says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise; they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history.

Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise.

Isaiah 43:16-21

Think

It is striking that the writer, most likely a prophet, writes these fantastical descriptions of streams and drinks, of howling animals and the removal of war machines like chariots and horses – in the very midst of a terrible war. To write to your people encouraging them to SEE the “new thing” while living in the middle of the “BAD THING,” the war, the deaths around them, drought, starvation, this is some kind of trust in God’s word. God’s intention.

Today there is danger even in writing from the “safety” of your blog or on social media. There is danger in standing in the middle of violence and reminding the people around you that GOD has something else in mind. And in God’s mind, we take our cue. To remind others that the world is not a wasteland. It is not the final scene of a battle. It is the land upon which the NEW THING is happening – the thing that is in God’s heart and yours.

Step out into the battle and point your finger at the newness, at the brave new storytellers, at new friendships forged, at the water shared with weary demonstrators. These are signs of the NEW THING. Step out. Point your finger. Clap your hands. Write the words!

Gina Yeager-Buckley

Pray

God who is OUR GOD. OUR GUIDE. Our leader. Our poet. Our prophet. I have been hiding – afraid of the brokenness, afraid to be labeled, afraid to be singled out, and unsure of the right words to say or to put on my sign. God, help me step out. Walk me into the light, through the battle, to the new thing you are doing. Let me be a part of doing whatever it is you have in your heart, God. Amen.

Go

Take the first step toward justice. 

Take a step toward reconciliation. 

Take a step toward understanding someone different from you.

“You make the path by walking.” (Robert Bly)