This morning’s walk
by Elouise
Heat rises quickly
in this tinderbox of grief
a blue jay screams
green grass and tree leaves
offer distraction in vain
sorrow boils over
turning toward home
we pass the cemetery
open arms waiting
How many more unscheduled deaths will there be? How much bone-dry drought can we endure? How many unkept promises and lies are we willing to overlook?
No answers, just questions. Plus recommitment to doing what I can within my small world of family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. It isn’t about saving the world. It’s about making connections that matter. The kind that make our humanity visible in all its flaws and glory, while getting on with the work of becoming human. Together.
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 29 June 2021
Hot summer sun photo found at pixabay.com
Telling the Truth 
A walk is so significant. Carol took 6 steps yesterday. Wanting more but strength in legs was not there. The view from a wheelchair is quite different especially when one’s arms do not work in tandem. What comes next is maybe a Sara lift. How to prepare – what to prepare – when to prepare? All is around the next corner. Maybe we will make it there. Jesus seemed to love to walk. Often with friends. Sometimes alone. Into the mountains. Along the Sea. Into the city or country side. Hebron – Samaria – Galilee. – Tiberias – Jerusalem – Bristol — North Philly — West Philly — Levittown – Trenton. – Melbourne – Bavaria – Montreal — Eichstadtt- Prague – Denver – Muncy – LA – The West Rim. Jesus walks everywhere.
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David, what a wonderful comment. I think about you regularly, and am beyond happy to hear Carol took 6 steps yesterday! And yes, you have no guarantees about tomorrow. Still, I’m imagining this was a big boost for both of you. I also love your ‘roll call’ of places where Jesus walks even today. Or better, especially today, where there’s more than enough pain and anguish to go around.
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‘It isn’t about saving the world. It’s about making connections that matter.’
How profound and thoughtful!
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Thanks, Isha. It’s great to be connected to you! 🙂
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You too, Elouise! Hope you’re doing good. ❤
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Your final words: It’s about making connections that matter. The kind that make our humanity visible in all its flaws and glory, while getting on with the work of becoming human. Together.
David and I have been discussing what our purpose is as a church, as a worshiping community. I think your statement would be a great purpose statement for the church! ~Natalie
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Oh, Natalie! I hope you and David can lead your church to a great (!) purpose statement for these times. I’m convinced it’s way past time for our churches to rethink what they’re about, why they’re about it, and how they can shift gears in a big way that empowers members as well as pastors. Our sad political scene just makes it more urgent than ever. We’ve been given a great opportunity to focus outward instead of inward, and to stop politicizing everything we say or hear! I’m finding Drick Boyd’s new book (Disrupting Whiteness: Talking with White People about Racism) incredibly helpful.
Elouise
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Well written
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Thank you, Athira.
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Always welcome
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