Lamenting

The world is pretty heavy these days, so I broach this delicately. I can`t create a space for my thoughts without talking about God. I recently have found myself in multiple conversations about lamenting. What is lamenting you might ask? According to Merriam-Webster there are about three definitions, but in basic terms it is expressing (crying out) in deep sorrow and grief. In my circles, its expressing these to God. And I`ve got to say, there is so much lamenting happening in today`s world.

I bring this up specifically because (at least in my experience) being able to express deep longing and pain to God is rarely mentioned (within conversation/culture of Christianity). Now, if you crack open the Good Book its everywhere. David in the Psalms laments multiple times.

Within the Black Lives Matter movement, a world pandemic, a war-torn world, and an intensely divided people (just to name a few). The world is lamenting and this should be talked about more and more widely accepted within the culture. A friend of mine brought up how possibly the most graceful, compassionate, and empathetic phrase we can say as Christians is “Oh that sucks.” And I would add on to that and say that is a great example of meeting people where they`re at, which I would love to see more Christians doing.

I would love to one day see a world where Christians act with grace and unconditional love first, instead of judgement, which seems like a hard ask. I know that is a bold statement, but keep in mind I can only ever speak from my experiences which in itself carries its own privileges.

So I challenge you to be okay and to give that pain, hurt, and sorrow we all feel, to God and see what happens.

Best,

Maggie