Sunday, July 13th: “After the Disaster . . . Mourn”
How do we survive a disaster? The first step is mourning: naming the present reality, with all its pain, all its hurt, all its sadness, anger, loss, grief and loneliness for what it is, without trying to make it better. The Old Testament Book of Lamentations is the writing of a survivor living in the midst of a crumbled world. The poetry reflects images of today, mourning for all that has been lost to conflict, war, or natural disaster. The loss of lives, memories, homes, public buildings, jobs, infrastructure, a way of life with all its hopes, dreams, and relationships. We need to lament these losses, to express our grief and suffering, and even our anger, because it is the first step on the path toward healing. Lament means directing our anguish toward God, instead of turning away from God. Lament is the last refuge of the courage that hopes in God.