Hope in Joy and Peace

ADVENT WEEK ONE

November 30, 2020

Hope in Joy and Peace

Micah 4:1-5

… but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. Micah 4:4

The portion of today’s scripture that gives me the most hope is the result of the peace that verse four describes. All will have their place of shade and safety (vines) and food (fig tree). It doesn’t say that people won’t have fear—but won’t be made to fear by others.

In early August, I had a day when everything weighed heavy on me. My ability to keep moving forward and deal with life ceased to exist… my coping capabilities took a vacation.

I was worried about: people with the virus, people treating the virus, black people, trans people, people unable to pay their rent, people losing jobs, people being hungry, compassionless people, family safety, and a family mental health crisis. Concern, too much information that breeds fear… and then… the postal service? I think the effort to destroy the postal service may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was too much.

I hit my limit of overwhelming concern for others and had to off-load. I sat with a friend and melted into a puddle of tears. I felt better, however I realized I needed to disconnect and take care of myself. So, I went camping which gives me strength and restoration. I restricted my social media and tried to be in the moment. To just be. I needed hope that the world would make it through this difficult period and that I could make it through with care and compassion… without breaking. I sat under the vine and ate the figs and let go of the fear.

Hope seems impossible these days, and not everyone is allowed time to take off work, go camping, or take a mental break, but I must believe there is hope for peace and joy for all.

May we rest under the vine and have plenty of figs to eat and not made to be afraid.

Malisa Pierce

Senior Director of Advancement and Alumnae/i Relations

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