This addendum to last night’s message:
Jeremiah, faithful to Moses, understood what numb people will never know, that only grievers can experience their experiences and move on. I used to think it curious that when having to quote Scripture on demand someone would inevitably say, “Jesus wept.” But now I understand. Jesus knew what we numb ones must always learn again: (a) that weeping must be real because endings are real and (b) that weeping permits newness. His weeping permits the kingdom to come. Such weeping is a radical criticism, a fearful dismantling, because it means the end of all machismo; weeping is something kings rarely do without losing their thrones. Yet the loss of thrones is precisely what is called for in radical criticism.
- Walter Brueggemann
Mike,
Thanks. I can turn the tears off when I need to, like Monday when I spoke for Debi’s service. Sometimes I forget to turn them back on.
Jere
Jere,
My mom was really blessed by your words and your memories. I can’t imagine having a friend from birth all the way through high school, into adulthood, to the end of life. What a beautiful bond you shared!
I too have been blessed by the reminder of words and images that make Christ alive in this very moment. I haven’t had much time to comment lately, but have been blessed by the comments here. This blog is one of my daily stops, whether or not I post.
Pardon my language, but that quote kicked my butt all over the internet. Thanks. Love it.
Amazing how the Spirit can find a way to convey to us just the words we need to hear. Today, this is what I needed; the reminder to let endings occur, mourn them properly, and most importantly move on. Thanks so much!
Donna