Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Psalm 6
“I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.”
Reflecting on this Psalm reminded me of a recent radio interview. Kate Kelly is a Mormon woman who was recently excommunicated from her church for advocating female ordination. Choking back tears, she describes her love for God and her devotion to her church. “Mormonism doesn’t wash off,” she explains, “and it’s not something [the Church] can take away from me.”
When asked why she doesn’t join a church that is more welcoming of her position, Kelly responds: “I am very invested in the Mormon community and this isn't just about me. If it was just about me, I'm an adult. I'm an attorney. I could go on and live a very happy life. But this is bigger than me. This is bigger than the women who are engaged in this cause with me. I have a three-year-old niece who is growing up in the church and I think about her. And I think about the ways that she'll be effected by patriarchy and how it will change the way she sees herself. And so I'm doing this for her.”
This interview gave me a renewed perspective on the Psalms. As the Psalmist struggles with life’s injustices, is he also motivated by devotion to his faith community? Is he also passionate about advocating for those who will come later?
The same question is turned to me. As I face life’s challenges, am I aware that it isn’t just about me? What if that question were turned to you?
No comments:
Post a Comment