As we near the end of the Lenten Season, I am reflecting on the past 40 days. I have cried more than I care to admit. I have hidden more than i even know. I am reminded that the journey through the wilderness is also about lamenting; calling out to whoever will listen, when we are in need. May this moment to lament, free us from the shackles of darkness and pain; helping us to see the light of hope as we walk through the valley.
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Why are you not here, Lord?
Where are you hiding your face?
Do you not know what we have done,
to bring love and comfort to your people?
There is so much darkness in this place.
Your people are crying out in pain.
Some with unimaginable illness and disease,
others with a grief beyond human understanding.
The sacrifices of your servants have been real,
as we try to heal those in our care.
Putting our lives and souls in harms way,
to do what you have prepared us to do.
Do you not see the people who are dying?
From the ones with an incurable diagnosis,
to the ones who died by someone else’s actions,
and the spirit of the innocent gone too soon.
Lord, hear our cries, as we call out to you!
The front line workers who stand in your presence.
We are doing everything we possibly can,
yet, we are exhausted, weak, and deflated.
Please, Lord, come and heal us now!
We know that you are here with us.
When others are indifferent about our needs,
You have given us everything to carry us on.
We know that you are here with us, Lord!
You have been with every tear and emotion.
You have held us when we were defeated.
You have blessed us when we stood back up.
You are the strength that we need,
the strength we didn’t even know we had.
When we are holding the hands of someone in pain,
you are holding us up so that we don’t fall.
Lord, we will praise you all the more,
even when we can’t feel you near us.
As you hold each one in your loving grace,
we will hold our hope in you, forevermore.
(c) Linda C Moore, 2021
This Chaplain's Journey 