Comments about getting older, politics like sports, a multi-faith events
Getting older with all its realities, both good and not-so-good, that are often difficult to admit, accept and live with.
Most like to think of the wisdom and experiences we might have acquired. Many of us may not be as aware of our ability to be flexible—both in terms of our bodies and in terms of our minds.
As we age, many of us find it difficult to make changes without significant effort. We may start saying, "That's the way it's always been done." "I don't understand kids nowadays." "What is happening in the world?"
The world is changing. It may feel like the sky is falling. The church is changing, and many don't like the way it's changing. Some changes are out of our control. Some require us to question and take some action, while others require that we be flexible.
I have discovered that I need to take a deep breath, think, pray and ask, "Is this situation out of my control?" Trying to change things that are out of our control can use up too much energy and deplete us so I don't have the energy or focus to work on the things I can impact.
It is easy to worry and fret over things without asking: What can I do? When am I going to take this action? What resources do I need? It can take a lot of time, but it can also be rewarding to play a part in affecting even some small part of things that need to be challenged.
For me, the most difficult option is being flexible. Sometimes, I do not like the way things change. It may feel uncomfortable, strange or wrong, but those observations may simply be my own feelings, inflexibility and discomfort, not necessarily whether a particular change is bad or wrong.
As I get older, the lines sometimes blur between my perceptions, comforts and inflexibility, versus change that is helpful, necessary and good. I wonder what it would be like when things change in our churches, conference and neighborhoods. Before we make judgments, we first take a deep breath, think, pray and ask ourselves if this change might actually be for good.
Rev. Daniel Miranda
Inland and Seven Rivers District Superintendent & Missional Strategist
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We treat politics too much like sports. Elections are framed as a tournament like March Madness, where candidates are eliminated through the primary season until two final contenders square off in the championship match. The winner celebrates under showers of confetti, while the loser chokes back tears in front of their dejected fans. In sports, the winner hoists the trophy high, puts their feet up, and enjoys the satisfaction of their victory as well as freedom from any further pressures or responsibilities.
For both the winners and the losers, once the "game" is over there is little to no work to do in the "offseason."
While this narrative makes for compelling media coverage, the "politics as sports" motif could not be more antithetical to the reality of a healthy democracy.
Elections aren't the finish line—they are the prelude to American democracy. The real work happens between the ballots, when the backers of winning candidates hold their representatives accountable for substantive legislative progress. This is also the time when the minority works to ensure their voices are included in the conversation about policies which serve the common good.
Recently, I've seen a couple of powerful examples of democracy finding its voice.
On March 11, I was in Washington D.C. to meet with lawmakers of both parties to advocate for positive solutions to our broken and recently dismantled immigration systems. In addition to productive dialogues with those on both sides of the aisle, I was encouraged by the sheer number of people visiting the halls of Congress to raise their voices on all kinds of issues.
Security lines to get into the buildings were out the doors, and checkpoints were busier than most folks had seen in a long time. I've seen similarly strong participation in local and state advocacy efforts too.
In early March, our new Congressman, Michael Baumgartner, spoke out in support of Ukrainian refugees. When Ukraine is experiencing a profound lack of support from the U.S., our representative responded to the voices of the Slavic community and their allies in Eastern Washington and has chosen to join their fight for recognition and justice in contrast to other leaders in his own party.
These examples may seem small, but they are significant. Our voices matter. If we choose to use them, we may see the renewal of American democracy—not a face-off between two political entities, but a team effort creating a more perfect union for all of us.
For those who share my commitment to supporting refugees—particularly the more than 3,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Eastern Washington—I encourage you to use your voice to call Rep. Baumgartner and thank him for his public support of our refugee neighbors.
Mark Finney - pastor at Emmaus Church, member of Human Rights Spokane Board, and executive director of Thrive International
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Our multi-faith calendar in March was brimming with diverse celebrations and holy days, reminding us of the rich tapestry of faith traditions that enrich our community. From the solemn observance of Ramadan and Lent, which both began in early March, to the joyous festivities of Holi and Purim, and the celebration of Nowruz, this month offers a unique opportunity for reflection and multi-faith understanding.
These varying expressions of faith, all arriving in the same season of rebirth, invite us to consider the shared human experience of seeking connection, justice, meaning and renewal.
As spring begins and we are blessed with more sunlight, I have found myself thinking more about renewal and sustainment. How can we sustain ourselves and our movements? How can we renew our commitment to justice and compassion, especially in the face of opposition day after day?
The answer to me lies in community. We must lean on each other in these times and work together.
Brianna Dilts,
Eastern Washington organizer for Faith Action Network
