August Newsletter: Finding Hope

Dear Friends,
Below is my column from the August 2009 newsletter for the Monroe City / Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches. I am sorry to be running so far behind schedule. I have been wanting to post this for several weeks now, but I didn't get a round tuit until today. I hope you find it meaningful.
Peace and Harmony,
Clayton

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From Your Pastor…
As we enter the eighth month of 2009, I am struck by how different things feel this year compared with a year ago. Last summer there was some economic instability and even talk of a recession, but it wouldn’t be until autumn that the economy would take a serious downturn. Gasoline prices were high, up to $ 4 a gallon or more, but most people figured it was only a temporary increase (which turned out to be true, fortunately). Yes, there were some concerns last summer, but as a whole there was optimism in the air. There were many exciting events that helped take our mind off any worries about the future.

Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympics in August. It was a record year. The United States won a total of 110 medals, more than any other country. Swimmer Michael Phelps broke Mark Spitz’s record for most gold medals won in one Olympic Games. Phelps also broke the record for most career gold medals, and tied the record for most individual gold medals in a single Olympics. Although not a record breaker, gymnast Shawn Johnson captured the hearts of America as she won one gold and three silver medals.

Last summer we were gearing up for an historic presidential election. The Democratic nominee, Illinois senator Barack Obama, was the first ever African-American to be nominated for president by a major political party. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was the first women ever to be nominated for Vice President by the Republican Party. So no matter who would win in November, the 2008 election would be a “first,” either the first African-American or the first woman elected to high office. There was a lot of excitement around the election because people knew it would be “history in the making!”

Of course, not everything was rosy in 2008. There were hurricanes, earthquakes, airline crashes, wars, murders, and (let’s not forget) floods. But for the most part, people were hopeful and optimistic.

Let’s fast-forward one year. The mood doesn’t seem as bright. People are losing their jobs. Others are uncertain about theirs. Concerns about money have caused many people to be cautious about spending. People are taking “staycations” rather than vacations. Fourth of July celebrations, fairs, festivals, and other events have had to be scaled back or even canceled. Political scandals seem to be on the rise. There’s quite a bit of wrangling going on in Washington, DC. And our troops are still fighting overseas.

As I reflect on the mood I sense in people today, I’m reminded of words written in 1854 by America’s great songwriter Stephen Foster:

’Tis the song, the sigh of the weary:
Hard times, hard times, come again no more.
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door.
Oh! Hard times, come again no more.

Yes, these may be hard times, and they seem to be lingering long. But the good news is that we do not have to make this journey alone. God is with us, each and every step. In a recent Upper Room devotional, Anna Georgieva of Bulgaria writes, “Through my struggles I learned an important lesson: We cannot blame God when we suffer. We live in a sinful world filled with imperfect people, but God is perfect and merciful. God is our hope.” What a powerful testimony from someone whose life has been filled with many tragic events. What an inspiration for all of us.

Even though hard times may linger many days around our “cabin door,” we have hope. God is our hope. Christ is by our side, leading us, guiding us, and sometimes even carrying us. The Holy Spirit fills us with power and strength. Let us give thanks for this wonderful good news!