Dear Beloveds,
Two weeks ago, Charlie and I traveled to New York for our fourth and last child’s college graduation. This was truly a momentous event for our family, and we approached it with mixed feelings—it was truly a bittersweet but lovely moment in time for us.
The week was difficult as well: Columbia University made the decision to cancel their main graduation event due to the unrest on campus. We were grateful that Jubilee had a special reception for her major as the individual colleges still carried out their graduation ceremonies, and her ceremony was held at Radio City Music Hall. There was truly a great deal of excitement for our entire family.
Tensions were running very high, as they have been for everyone everywhere in the world with the horrible situation in the Middle East. We knew that the campus had been filled with daily student protests, and everyone was experiencing much anger and anguish in different ways. We were not quite sure what to expect from the graduation ceremony. It was a lovely event in many ways, but it was marked by continued student protests from both sides; students shouted angry sentiments for and against both Palestine and Israel throughout the entire ceremony. Some of the students were calling out for peace; it brought back many memories of my years at UC Berkeley, and it was a sobering reminder for us that in the midst of our celebration, so many people were suffering in the world.
The ongoing strife between Gaza and Israel highlights our human condition of brokenness and is quite possibly one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history, with countless lives that have been destroyed because of its relentless cycle of violence and loss. Of course there are numerous intricate geopolitical, religious, and historical grievances that have shaped this conflict, but the resulting conflict that unfolds daily is heartbreaking beyond measure. There has been profound and devastating pain and loss on both sides of this conflict.
So many people live daily in the shadow of violence, death, and deep grief. Watching the students at graduation made me realize even more that no matter our politics or beliefs, we must never lose our sense of compassion for one another and for those who have been affected. This conflict’s deep and searing complexity does not negate the plain and simple truth that innocent people on both sides are enduring immense and terrible suffering. Our shared humanity calls us to remember this.
As believers of the living God, we must recognize the worth of every single individual in this world, those who are in this horrific situation and in the many other places of the world, such as Ukraine or Myanmar-- those who are enduring unspeakable loss.
It almost seems so trite to say that we need to pray— for at times, prayer seems to be such a feeble response to what is happening, and it still can leave us with a sense of helplessness. It is also distressing and difficult to know how to address this grievous situation faithfully. But it is in prayer that we might be able to see a glimmer of hope, humanity, and it is through prayer that we can reaffirm our commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution even when we cannot see the way forward.
And yet, still, there does not seem to be anything I can say or feel that would help me understand how to see a way forward. Who am I to speak on this harrowing subject?
In a time when there seem to be no good answers, no sure answers, and no way forward, I am reminded that we need to hold tight onto authentic and genuine empathy, and to educate ourselves to gain a better understanding of the historical, political, and social contexts this conflict lies within. We must realize that we can all be united by the desire to prevent and stop any more bloodshed and death. We need to speak to people from both sides to better see what it is like to be in their shoes, to understand their anger, grief, and loss. We need to engage in constructive— not destructive-—dialogue with one another and to hold tight to our calling as peacemakers, as Jesus wants us to be. Despite our human condition and its limitations, we must keep hoping for peace.
I am learning every day; I am praying every day. As a student of Jesus, I want to ask myself how Jesus wants us to pursue justice. I hope I can be a better person through all this sadness and heartache to help heal the world.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace