Hope Amidst Tears

“I found myself crying several times. The stories made me sad and angry.”

 

Trinity parishioners were discussing a book by Michael Eric Dyson, Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America. Dyson is a Professor at Georgetown University, a New York Times columnist, a Baptist preacher, and an African-American. His book draws on all of his expertise and experiences.

 

Thirty parishioners came together to discuss the book last Sunday. It was a time of sharing frustrations, of recognizing the unequal treatment that people of color live with every day, and of trying to find our way forward as people of faith. One of the most powerful aspects of Dyson’s book is that he addresses White Christians as “beloved.” He believes that the Gospel we share contains the sources of hope.

 

Tonight we are holding a Reunion/Celebration of anti-racism work at Trinity Church. We will gather to pay tribute to those who helped get the Anti-Racism Team started more than ten years ago. We will welcome new members to the team. We will acknowledge the work being done in other Outreach ministries and in our Search Committee, as we all learn what it means to reach across the gaps that divide us from each other and listen to each other as we work towards becoming a truly inclusive community.

 

During this same week, Trinity staff members and volunteers, especially ushers and others involved in welcome, attended sessions led by Federal and local officials about ways to keep our community safe. This is clearly part of the work we are called to do. In reaching out to welcome all, we are mindful of the brokenness that creates unsafe situations and our obligation to safeguard the wellbeing of all in our care. Being watchful and prepared are important. So is being aware of our biases and stereotypes. 

 

There is much in our world that causes tears, whether it is children torn from their parents as they cross our border, or gang members who prey on innocent people to demonstrate their power, or illnesses of body and mind that bring grief to patients and families, or hatred and fear of anyone who appears to be a “stranger.” As people of faith, we are called to live in this world. And to live with hope and trust in the Gospel.

 

Each week—in our worship, in our study, in our service, and in our meetings—we come together to build trust of each other as we seek God’s guidance. We live in hope, drawn by the God who wipes away tears from every eye.