Blessing in a Time of Violence

This—as much as any other period in recent history—feels like a time of violence, a time of open hostility and conflict. The world seems dichotomous, as though half of our family and friends are in a completely different world than where we find ourselves. Because of that division, I’m called to the words of Jan Richardson, an artist, writer and Methodist pastor. I invite you to breathe into the following blessing, letting it wash over you like healing waters.

BLESSING IN A TIME OF VIOLENCE

Which is to say
this blessing
is always.

Which is to say
there is no place
this blessing
does not long
to cry out
in lament,
to weep its words
in sorrow,
to scream its lines
in sacred rage.

Which is to say
there is no day
this blessing ceases
to whisper
into the ear
of the dying,
the despairing,
the terrified.

Which is to say
there is no moment
this blessing refuses
to sing itself
into the heart
of the hated
and the hateful,
the victim
and the victimizer,
with every last
ounce of hope
it has.

Which is to say
there is none
that can stop it,
none that can
halt its course,
none that will
still its cadence,
none that will
delay its rising,
none that can keep it
from springing forth
from the mouths of us
who hope,
from the hands of us
who act,
from the hearts of us
who love,
from the feet of us
who will not cease
our stubborn, aching
marching, marching

until this blessing
has spoken
its final word,
until this blessing
has breathed
its benediction
in every place,
in every tongue:

Peace.
Peace.
Peace.

—Jan Richardson, The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief

In what ways do you feel like “the dying, the despairing, the terrified” right now? How does this blessing speak to that place within you?

The blessing says that no one can keep it from springing forth from those who are hopeful, active, loving and unceasing in their marching for peace. How are you carrying forth the movement for peace?

How can you carry this blessing and its message of peace into the tumultuous days ahead?

—Andi Lewis, Prairiewoods marketing coordinator