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Calm After the Storm


I am very grateful that we have arrived on the other side of the referendum that has needlessly held our energy, anxiety, fear and even anger for far too long. However, beneath the calm surface of this present moment, I wonder what has changed within us and between us. I wonder how our Alberta landscape has changed forever. Who do we say that we are as Albertans, as Canadians . . . as humans?

Last week I was a guest speaker at a women’s retreat, and the theme of my presentation was, Love, Justice, Hope: For Such a Time as This. The Book of Esther was a starting point for us to then name the current markers of “such a time as this.” As you can imagine, we had a lot to say. But we didn’t stop there. We remembered that as people of a story we are called to love one another. Our way toward hope is found when we put that love and care into action. It is interesting that our gospel reading this week is about loving God and loving neighbour. We have been reflecting in conversations this week about how loving God and loving neighbour are truly interwoven.

Since the beginning of our story as the United Church of Canada, we have been engaged in social justice matters within our communities and around the world. In such a time as this, in a moment of calm after the referendum, let’s not forget who
we are as a people of a sacred, faithful story. Let’s remember that identity because our work continues, today, tomorrow, and in all the days to come. Who are our neighbours? How will we treat them with love and justice? Perhaps, like Esther, we
are here for such a time as this.

Peace and joy,
Nancy