As I approached a stop light a few weeks ago, I pulled behind a big truck. I couldn’t help but notice the large, neon-green sticker in the back window that said, “Ask me if I give a @*%&”. Ironically, I wasn’t even offended by the language (guess that’s another blog), but it deeply saddened me that this person felt so little care for anything that they had purchased a sticker proclaiming it.
Who was this person that had so little passion or concern for anything? How were they so disheartened or angry with the world that they went out in the community advertising it? Have you ever felt this way? Maybe not to the degree of advertising but others could feel this coming from you, or you put on a happy exterior but apathy is what you were feeling inside?
In the current climate of the world, I do understand that it might be a natural reaction to put your blinders on because confronting the future or comprehending the magnitude of wars, wildfires, the anger that seems to be all around us, family or mental health issues, or the state of our country is too much to bear. Looking into the future feels hopeless and discouraging. There is no joy or pleasure, only pain and difficulty. It’s just easier not to care.
As Christians, there is always good news; we have reason to hope. Paul writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Our God is a God of hope which means those who trust Christ always have reason to hope. The Holy Spirit is working to change our hearts and minds. It may not be overnight, but God will guide us on the journey.
My hope is that the person in the truck gets to experience something that brings him hope or his heart is softened (I imagine Grinch style) by seeing that there is so much good in the world. Maybe he will encounter one of our youth that was on our Jr. High retreat who ooze silliness and kindness. They can’t help but make you smile. Or cross paths with one of the hundreds of enthusiastic youth leaders who recently attended our ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) Conference. Their light and energy are infectious.
As Christians and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the tools to flip the narrative from apathy and anger to hope. Ann Lamont writes about her friend Father Tom Weston, who reassures people who come to him in despair, with these words, “We do what’s possible. We are kind to ourselves. We take care of the poor. We feed hungry kids. We pick up litter.” Our gestures may not be grand, but they will bear fruit and continue to spread.
Please pray with me for the person in that truck and for all those who may be feeling this anger and despair. May they know hope and find peace.
Serving and hoping with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation