Be the light

Barbara Bowyer writes: In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Travis spoke of the beautiful poem offered by Amanda Gorman at the presidential inauguration. Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, used her powerful words to lift a bruised and not so united United States. Gorman challenged us to become the generous and resilient people she sees with those wise young eyes.

Travis began his message with the first lines of her poem, “When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” While Travis focused on the opening lines of the poem, I encourage you to consider the closing lines which represent a poetic battle cry: “We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover in every known nook of our nation in every corner called our country our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful, when the day comes we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Those words came to mind when I heard the news of the passing of Carolyn Beimdiek, who was truly brave enough to be a light in the darkness. She was a light among us, serving the children of Washington Montessori or leading one of our green teams. But she wasn’t the only light we lost this year; consider:

·       - John Leo’s selfless dedication to the Good Ground Pantry

·       - Sue Williams and her caring heart for military service members

·       - Helen Canada’s faithful service in preparing our communion table

·       - Meg Puterbaugh’s devotion as an office volunteer

While, like all of you, I am deeply saddened by their losses, I am buoyed by the knowledge that the light within 2PC still burns. It is impossible to name all the points of light at 2PC but allow me to offer a few:

·       - Freya Gordon, who recently led a workshop teaching us how to engage with government leaders on environmental issues.

·       - The Good Ground Pantry team

·       - Jean Patterson & Deborah Atkins’ devotion to Assisi House

·       - Ellie & Carleton Stock’s environmental leadership

·       - Don Cochran and the parish visitors

Each of these individuals or groups has chosen to be involved in our church, in our community, in our nation, in our world. In doing so, they exemplify Gorman’s final thought, “for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” I pray this day that all of us would choose to be brave and become involved in some way to honor those who have gone before us. -

Click to see a video of Amanda Gorman reading her poem