Lion and the Lamb

My son is a few weeks shy of turning twelve. Recently, he's been feeling very sad at bed time and he's been needing more tangible love:  tucking in, singing bed time songs, cuddling and of course talking through his feelings.   I do not know whether his anxiety is about the transition from childhood into young adulthood, or residual anxiety about what's happening in our nation.

But lately these conversations have felt bigger than our little house.  I feel anxious too.  I feel sad and hopeless.  I make my daily calls to representatives, attempt to have dialogue with those that don't think like me, use my money to support humanitarian and social justice organizations and try to keep myself informed.  But yet I feel as if my small voice is being blown away in the wind and that there is nothing I can do to combat the juggernaut of hatred which is our current government.

When I tuck my son in and kiss him good night I think about three things.  One, I am unspeakably blessed and therefore have an obligation to work to be a blessing to others.  Two, I remember those Jewish mothers who continued to love and protect their children until their last moment when hatred ripped their lives in two.  Three, I am saddened that history is repeating itself and envision (and pray for) those Syrian mothers that want nothing more than a safe place to raise their children.

I'm not always sure how to move forward or how to make my voice be heard.  But I can't tunnel under and do nothing.  Mothers have a sacred bond and an obligation to work to protect all children - no matter the circumstances of their birth.  Feel hopeless too?  Try heading here.  Glennon is a light in the darkness and a voice in the wilderness.

Pray, support each other and try not to give up on Hope.

Isaiah 11:6-9The Message (MSG)

6-9 The wolf will romp with the lamb,
    the leopard sleep with the kid.
Calf and lion will eat from the same trough,
    and a little child will tend them.
Cow and bear will graze the same pasture,
    their calves and cubs grow up together,
    and the lion eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens,
    the toddler stick his hand down the hole of a serpent.
Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill
    on my holy mountain.
The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive,
    a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.