Reflection

“Nothing less than a great daring in the face of overwhelming odds can achieve the inner security in which fear cannot possibly survive. It is true that a man cannot be serene unless he possesses something about which to be serene. Here we reach the high-water mark of prophetic religion, and it is of the essence of the religion of Jesus of Nazareth. Of course God cares for the grass of the field, which lives a day and is no more, or the sparrow that falls unnoticed by the wayside. He also holds the stars in their appointed places, leaves his mark in every living thing. And he cares for me! To be assured of this becomes the answer to the threat of violence—yea, to violence itself. To the degree to which a man knows this, he is unconquerable from within and without.”

-Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited (p. 56). Beacon Press. First Published 1949.

Action (Lament)

Howard Thurman was a prominent theologian, pastor, and mentor to civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. His theology of radical nonviolence was rooted in his deep trust that God cares for us.

Thurman’s words call to mind two things which we can lament. The first is that many face “overwhelming odds” which cause a devastating fear. Are you in that place today? If not yourself, think of someone you know who has faced into overwhelming odds.

We might also lament that we and others fail to grasp the care and love of God. Take a moment to imagine God’s heart—a vast ocean love, often rebuffed or ignored. Have you ever had that feeling? Consider a time when your love has been rejected or not valued, and write it down.