This Lenten journey is unlike any other in our lifetime. A year ago, our leaders encouraged us to shelter in place for two weeks. Many of us acquiesced, albeit reluctantly, hoping that we would be back to normal in a few days. We could see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Little did we know, the light was actually a train—a pandemic train that ran us over.

I’m reminded of the words of the apostle Paul: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). We continue to grow even though our circumstances are less than ideal. And even though we are brokenhearted, we hold on to hope.

This rocky hope reminds me of a flower pushing through a crack in a sidewalk. That flower should be the poster child for 2021.

Siblings in Christ, our Lenten journey will take us over tough terrain filled with potholes and pitfalls. We will need to navigate pandemic fatigue, political divisions, financial hardship, injustice and grief. Our nation is hurting and there is no better time to be the body of Christ. We are faced with challenges and choices. As we continue to trek across rocky ground, we can choose justice, equity and accountability.

                                    By Angela T. !Khabeb, March 10, 2021, Living Lutheran