From Fear to Hope and Community

Just when we think the world cannot get any more complicated, that there can be any more problems, we hear stories of being on the brink of world economic collapse. On one hand, we fret and worry. On the other hand, we wonder how much is news “hype.” But we see the stock market wildly fluctuating up and down. We notice world leaders frantically meeting together. Those who keep track of pension and retirement funds see them losing ground instead of increasing in value. And more and more, we learn of people losing their jobs or homes.

What are we to do in such troubling times?

First, we continue to be mindful of the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities and world. We look at our own financial situation and quickly recognize there are many who live in much more desperate situations than we do. We continue to share our resources with those in need.

But more importantly we learn about the complexities of the economic and political systems that seem to keep some people poor and allow others to seemingly take advantage of others. If nothing else, in the last month we have become more aware certain business practices which at best seem unfair. Being aware of these inequities and questionable practices, we work as God’s people to reform our systems so that all people can live and work on a more level “playing field.” Our ELCA Conference of Bishops recently released a statement “On the Current Financial Crisis” (October 7, 2008). They wrote, “Any economic system should be measured by the degree to which it serves God’s purposes for humankind and creation. Those who have been blessed by the fruits of the economy are called to be generous in giving to those who have lost much and to advocate for accountability and appropriate regulation in this system.”

We do not despair. God “calls us out of fear into hope and community” (Bishops’ Statement cited above). We recall difficult times we have experienced in the past and know that God has not forsaken us. I am certain we can all say that we never have known a time when God has not provided what we needed. Even those who lived through the Great Depression or those who have weathered bankruptcies can often speak about how God has provided.

God “calls us out of fear into hope and community.” We are not in this alone. God provides us with community. We have each other. If indeed, economic life as we know it changes significantly, we can assist one another. Some remember the Great Depression and many others were shaped by that era. Many of us know how to live quite simply and can even “live off the land,” if needed. We can provide guidance and assistance for those who do know about some of these skills. In community, we can share resources when necessary. And living together in faith we can remember one another in care and prayer.

Finally, if you or your family personally experience financial difficulty, I invite you to share that with me. While I am not a financial counselor, and while our congregation has a few, but limited resources for assistance, it is important that we learn not to suffer alone. Know that I will always help you maintain your anonymity if that is important, but I will also seek to connect you with people or groups that can provide assistance. However, mostly I will seek to help us find God’s presence in the midst of whatever we experience in life.

The full text of the statement by the ELCA conference of Bishops is found at
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Synodical-Relations/Conference-of-Bishops/Pastoral-Letters/