by Jill Pearson, co-editor
As we prepare to publish our June blog, our nation is grieving the loss of 21 precious lives in the Uvalde elementary school shooting on May 24. As we feature articles about walking through the bluebells and tending our “community garden,” families are suffering unimaginable pain. As we read about Andrea’s pie making and Mary’s tips on hospitality, mothers are burying their children. How do we reconcile such things?
Some of us will be moved to sign petitions or call congressmen. Some of us will lay awake at night worrying about our own kids. All of us will hold our families closer and pray for the mental health and safety of our nation’s children. Our hearts grieve because the sacredness of life was violated and the deaths of these children will be felt for years. But is it okay to think about bluebells? Yes! Christ directs us to “consider the lilies of the field” when we are anxious (Matt. 6: 25-34). This month, in lieu of lilies, we consider the bluebells of the forest, for when the world is dark, we need to know bluebells will still blossom each spring. From that, we can draw courage to stand against evil and injustice.
Many years ago, at a funeral of a beloved Calvary woman who died in a tragic car accident, I watched a grief-stricken daughter-in-law step to the podium and declare: “The joy of the Lord is my strength!” I remember being startled by the use of the word “joy” at such a sad gathering. But as I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to understand that joy and sorrow often sit together in tension and are not mutually exclusive. By declaring “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” we are vehemently protesting the darkness with the hope of Christ.
May our posts this month point you to a God of community, hope, provision, and, yes, joy!
Julianne Hagan is wife to John and mom to Bethany, Christina and Mary, who loved growing up at Calvary. Her daughters are each married and live in Texas. Julianne is a CPA and works for RSM during tax season. She sings and plays the piano in our 11 am services at Calvary.