Grief speaks. It moves. It moans. It cries.
As we observe All Saints Sunday, a time of remembrance, we are invited to gather together in a ritual of grace. For each of us, these moments can be such a sacred, profound and personal journey. In the context of the beloved community, it is essential to acknowledge and support each other. This is holy ground.
For us, there is consolation by way of the spirit. The Bible offers solace, reminding us that, "The Holy One is close to the brokenhearted", and, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted".
We shall be comforted, even while grief is fresh. We shall be comforted through the many days and years that have passed. Furthermore, we make the case that sorrow extends beyond physical death.
As those in the grasp of genocide, immigrants and asylum seekers, queer and trans folks, Black and Brown folks, birthing people, and other minoritized people may be at risk as a result of this election, the church must be ready–to stand in solidarity, to cry with those who mourn, to be a source of stability and strength. I pray we can transform our individual fear and concerns into a collective and moral force for good.
While grief flows through us, it does not exclude hope. Hope is an active force that can change everything! Let us gather all the frayed ends of our ropes and grieve with intention for the betterment of this world. Let us remember the saints are the cloud of witnesses who do more than rest. They join with us in our movement, helping us to bend the arc toward justice.
In the coming days, let not your heart be troubled. There's a place for us. May the memories of our people be a blessing. May we find signs of hope and experience the presence of God in our lovingkindness. Blessed be.
-Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown