The Mosaic

Strange Graces - This last Sunday I shared another poem from Jan Richardson who is quickly becoming one of my favorite poets. Her use of the term “strange graces” is what inspired most of my sermon on the water that was provided at the rock of Mount Horeb. I offer it to each of you as a reminder for when you find your own self in the wilderness. May you remember that the wilderness is never a place for your punishment or your shame. May you, instead, receive the eyes that only one can have in the wilderness for the strange graces that surround you.

Beloved Is Where We Begin
by Jan Richardson

If you would enter 
into the wilderness, 
do not begin 
without a blessing.  

Do not leave 
without hearing 
who you are: 
Beloved, 
named by the One 
who has traveled this path 
before you. 

Do not go 
without letting it echo 
in your ears, 
and if you find 
it is hard 
to let it into your heart, 
do not despair. 
That is what this journey is for. 

I cannot promise 
this blessing will free you 
from danger, 
from fear, 
from hunger 
or thirst, 
from the scorching 
of sun 
or the fall 
of the night. 

But I can tell you 
that on this path 
there will be help. 

I can tell you 
that on this way 
there will be rest. 

I can tell you 
that you will know 
the strange graces 
that come to our aid 
only on a road 
such as this, 
that fly to meet us 
bearing comfort 
and strength, 
that come alongside us 
for no other cause 
than to lean themselves 
toward our ear 
and with their 
curious insistence
whisper our name: 

Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.

All my love,
Pastor Victoria