Friday, February 24
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with tumult. from Psalm 146
I love to imagine that change is possible and that new things can be born even when everything feels unchanging. I love to feel the mountains of injustice shake and the waters foam with new ideas. I like change and have now lived long enough to remember that many changes have happened in my lifetime.
I remember when the ONA process hadn’t begun yet. As a young lesbian I wondered if I would ever find a church home where I could be out and be welcomed. Fortunately God’s love was always real for me, and God was a refuge and a strength in times that felt like a lot of trouble. God was always there for me…in the face of a friend, the love of a stranger, the furry cat that jumped on my lap and the United Church of Christ Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Concerns.
25 years since the Open and Affirming resolution passed the General Synod and the waters foamed and roared, we just celebrated 1000 UCC churches becoming Open and Affirming. We still have about 5000 to go nationally and about 285 here in Massachusetts, but we have come a long way.
God has been a refuge and a strength and a healing presence for me, and for so many others who have been wounded by fear and prejudice. I celebrate that the earth is changing, and we do not need to be afraid. –Fran Bogle
Gentle hope holder, be our strength in times of change. Comfort us when it feels as if things will never change. Help us have the courage to act from our wounds to help the world heal. Amen
[Photo: Rev. Ann B. Day has been a powerful advocate for ONA from the start.]