“Deep calls to deep…”–Psalm 42:7
Beloved community; deep and wide
The width of community is usually not a problem for me. I come from a big family, I enjoy meeting people, I teach 100 students each day. Small talk and pulling others into conversation are well-practiced skills that enable a certain level of interaction and connection. But engaging in the depth of beloved community has required me to grow in perspective and learn new ways to be in relationship.
Over the years, I have learned from my kids and stepson as they model being more vulnerable and true. Mika spent a week with an indigenous community in Chiapas, Mexico. Those community members graciously welcomed them in, and shared wisdom and a practice that really resonated with them. A typical greeting in Tzotzil translates into “how is your heart?” Especially compared to “how are you?” (with its rote answer of “fine”), that simple question is an invitation to deeper connection. We have all adopted the practice; whenever we really want to check in with each other, we ask about our hearts. In fact, the kids always move beyond the superficial in conversations with me; they lead the way for deeper sharing whenever we talk, and I am very grateful to follow.
During the months of pandemic isolation, two childhood friends and I started meeting regularly, sharing updates and finding ways to laugh, as we have throughout the years. But for once, I let them know I was really struggling with the weight of all that was 2020. It sounds absurd, but that felt like a risk for me with these longtime friends. We were all brought up to be independent, oldest Yankee daughters, helping others but never admitting a need for assistance ourselves. But of course, being more vulnerable helped open space to share more authentically and deepen our loving connection.
The Edwards community has been a blessing to me in this way, too. Many of you choose to share your real hearts, during our services, coffee hours, or these Lenten devotionals. In turn, we hold the hearts of others in pain and in celebration. Carrying a prayer shawl, card or cookies, you consistently show up for me and for each other! Seemingly small things mean a great deal when you’re hanging on by a thread. It is a gift to have that thread woven together in our deep, beloved community.
God of depth, God of community, may we dare to share our hearts. Amen.
–Heather Gonzalez