be and be not afraid.

Transitions are frightening places. After spending nearly two years journeying in ministry with one group of people, I had come to know them. Known their needs, their passions, their idiosyncrasies. Known how they connected with one another and with God. Saying goodbye to that community is harder than I can put into words, and moving on from a familiar place, with people I know and love is a painful process. I would be lying if I said, that I am not afraid.

But as I step toward the unfamiliar, even as I grieve what I am leaving behind, I am filled with hope. As I take this leap during the Easter season, I cannot help thinking of resurrection, of the new life that bursts out of grief and death. Through the clouds of my fear, I can see the flourishing possibilities of new opportunities. The miracle of getting to know, love and journey with new people.

Tracy Chapman sings, "Be and be not afraid to reach for heaven." These hope filled words, remind me to step out without fear, and to trust that the reaching will bring us closer to the beauty of God.

hope in the face of death.

Both Kyle and I were on facebook last night after the news of Osama bin Laden's death was announced. We were both fascinated by the variety of responses. And this is not just the case with our circles of friends, but across the country-- as you can see from reading the variety of celeb reactions to the news here.

I have to say for the most part, I was really deeply touched by the way most people I know paused and thoughtfully reflected about what it means to celebrate the death of a fellow human being, even if that person is a dangerous criminal. As my seminary Professor Rev. Dr. Jay Johnson put it, there is an important "distinction between not being sorry someone is dead and celebrating that someone is dead." With the relief that there is one less terrorist leader in the world, should also come the realization that many many human lives have been lost, and the death of one more may not mean the end to violence, but may suggest that we are only perpetuating a cycle of death.

I've seen many reflections on what a Christian response to this death might be, including a silent candle-lit vigil for all the lives who have been lost, and many beautifully written prayers for peace. I've read many voices raising up the importance of responses of love and peace, even in the face of death and violence. I've read reminders that the Bible calls people of Christian faith to love enemies, and never rejoice over a fallen enemy. Many others have reminded me that we are called to be people of mercy and restorative, reconciling justice, rather than people of hatred, retaliation, or vengeance. Many others have recalled the words of great leaders like Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. calling nations toward love and peace.

Another friend of mine who does not consider themselves to be religious, posted this wonderful article from the Huffington post. There the writer points out, "We will only have peace when we stop the cycle of jubilation over acts of violence." Which, I think is one of the most wise things I've read in the past 24 hours.

”I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" is actually the quote I have seen re-posted more than any other by friends and acquaintances. That fact gives me hope for the future of our country. The thoughtful theological reflections and prayers that reveal insight into a Kingdom of God where death should never win, also gives me hope for the Christian church. And that so many people from so many different perspectives are taking pause to reflect, rather than celebrating death (even the death of a terrible man), gives me hope for the world.

Perhaps, love wins after all.