Rapid change confronts us daily. The dark valleys of the pandemic, political divisions, inequity, mass violence, natural disasters—and for United Methodists, denominational disaffiliation—threaten us. We live in the tension between brokenness/death/loss and hope/resurrection/redemption. Psalm 23 captures that tension with images of dark valley/evil/enemies contrasting God’s leadership/provision/restoration. This psalm of trust is a touchstone as we await Christ coming again. The Lord is our shepherd.
As a pastor, the dark valley lesson I am learning is: I cannot fix what is broken. I can choose to do my own spiritual and emotional work with God for health and wholeness; and thus model steps toward a faithful response for others. But I cannot fix what is broken—neither can I ignore it. Trust God to lead us to a version of church that is different from what we’ve known—and if we are honest with ourselves—more relevant to new people.
$10 Club gifts fund a leading edge to co-create new spaces for new people to gather in communion with Christ. What hasn’t changed is Jesus’ call to be disciples craving a community of deep relationship who worship God and join God in working for good, peace, and justice in the world.
If it is too dark to see, then we can stretch our hands to grasp the hands of other people in the same dark valley. When was the last time you took a long walk with a friend? Shared an un-rushed, full-attention, no-devices meal with family or friends? God is near, and so are our Christian siblings. Together we have borne much; together, we must mourn so that we can continue the journey.
As Lent leads to Easter each year, we practice the story of death giving way to resurrection. Our rehearsal reminds us that we aren’t there yet, but the Good Shepherd is leading us through (not around) the dark valley toward the house of the Lord. Where is God leading you to find rest, refreshment, and restoration?
Rev. Tracy Sexton serves as the pastor of Littleton UMC in Littleton, NC, and as a chaplain for the UM Collective of the NC Conference.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.