Holding onto hope

This Sunday we conclude our series on hope. As we have explored the psalmist words of lament and despair, we have recognized the same feelings in ourselves. Some of our folks have bravely shared their moments of darkness with us and we have been awed by their perseverance and strength. We have considered how to create a foundation of hope by surrounding ourselves with community and leaning into a faith that we have built over time. We considered what it means to recognize God’s faithfulness to us and how the presence of being with someone can inspire hope. Pastor Seungrok offered reflection on hope for healing and appreciation for freedom and grace. Last week, Pastor Sherri inspired us with her own story and a reminder that we have to put our whole heart into asking for help if we want to really change.

As a result of this series, we have heard from several of you that you are struggling with hopelessness. You recognized yourself in the conversation about how hard it is to maintain hope when our soul is weary. As we turn to God with our shaken souls, we offer up our pain, anger, disappointment and fears. Our pastoral staff recognizes that many of you need resources for mental health and wellness. We have professionals that we refer people to for therapy. Based on your need and what type of situation that you are dealing with, we can help you find help. Support groups and online resources are also available. We have a Care Minister who specializes in resourcing those in the congregation who need some help. We currently have a Narcotics Anonymous group that meets at Faith twice a week. We have a Grief Recovery specialist and hospice chaplain leading a group. Brittney has trained Congregational Care Ministers that can be with you as safe space and a reminder that you are not alone. We hope that you will lean into your community and let us help. Because we know that when we are shaken, that we will lean into you. We are all doing life together - the good, the bad and the ugly. It is so much easier to face the hard times when we have others on the journey with us.

Last week on my vacation, we took my father’s ashes to their final resting place. We went out onto a boat, read some scripture, said some prayer and then gently shook his remains over the side. We then told stories, held hands, cried and laughed. I have only made it through this last dark year because of my faith and this community that has had prayed over me and loved me.

Let us hold onto hope together as we lean into each other and the Holy One who made us,