homesteading

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'”  Psalm 122:1

sitting in the corner

watching the other folks

tapping on their devices

reading a book or sitting in silence,

with a quick top up 

from the barista and a

short chat about life

in the packed theater

of parents and bored kids

overwhelmed by pink

and challenged to think

in the midst of laughter

and piercing of prejudices

at the rally supporting 

one of my deepest concerns

as the songs and talks

resound around and within us

as we are surrounded by strangers

we think we have known all our lives,

we find ourselves 

at home with you

in so many places

we never dared imagine

that first morning 

we were wrapped in

stained glass filtered light

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

crumbs

"But she answered him, 'Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.'" Mark 7:28

we will meet those

the rest of the world

steps out of the way

to avoid at all cost,

we will hear 

the whispers of loneliness

of the people huddling

in their homes and hearts,

we will be challenged

to release those beliefs,

prejudices, and faiths

we clutch so tight in our fists,

if we but follow

the trail of grace crumbs

God has left in the world

just as you did.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

breakfast

"Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,

    for in you I put my trust."  Psalm 143:8

we stumble down to the table,

ready for another bowl

of pity's porridge, a cup 

of tepid tedium, a cold piece

of toast with curdled bitter

slapped all over it to start

our day the usual way,

but

then you put down a plate

piled with crisp compassion,

a hope and justice omelet,

a steaming cup of love

with a heaping spoonful of grace,

and we know we can handle

whatever awaits us 

as we head out the door.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

clueless

“for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Mark 6:52

compassion shrivels up

and drifts away as

our hearts become callused

by indifference,

kindness is left behind

as we rush to gather up

more privilege in our arms,

grace becomes a commodity

to be sold to the highest bidder

rather than being placed

in the basket labeled 'free'

and you shake your head

and weep as you realize

we still do not discern 

who you are and what

you are all about.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

border crossing

“During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” Acts 16:9

at the edge of fear,

wondering if we dare

put our toes in the water

to test if they will hold us.

on the cliffs overlooking

the abyss of the future,

thinking about how far down

down it is, if we miss our step.

on the border of polarization,

doubting that anything we

might say or do could build

bridges to the other side,

we could choose to ignore

those who are calling for help

or we can become illegal migrants

carrying grace, hope, and justice

on our back as we take that first

step.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

saint bernard

“God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.” Psalm 57:3b

when i wander into 

the shadowed alleys 

hoping for a quick fix

for my addiction to fear,

your love comes trotting 

behind me, pulling on 

my pants leg until i 

look down to notice

and

then it leads me back

toward the lighted entrance

where you are waiting

to take me to that rehab 

center known as your

heart.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

no offense, please!

"And they took offense at him."  Mark 6:3b

we applaud when you
stare down the very wealthy,

challenging them to give away

everything they have to the poor,

but then, when you turn to us

with that raised eyebrow, we

offer you a finger while tightly

holding on to our privilege.

we smirk as you tell stories

that discomfort the comfortable,

that put pins in inflated egos,

that topple the powerful off pedestals,

but when you dip into

your bag for those parables

about pious, pompous progressives,

we stick our buds in our ears

to listen to podcasts that affirm

our protected prejudices.

just because you are so good

at offending all those we find

well, rather reprehensible, 

doesn't mean you can turn

that mirror towards our lives,

thank you very much.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

 

silently now

“The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.” Acts 15:12

if we keep silent,

we might just feel 

the flutter of the butterfly

halfway around the world

which warns of the breaking

of creation.

if we keep silent,

we might just hear

the cries of the children

who find the adults around them

doing everything they can

to crush their spirits and

shatter their souls.

if we keep silent,

we might find ourselves

surrounded by that hope

which tiptoes past the sentries

of fear, hate, and injustice

to wrap us in the warm shawl

woven from grace, hope, and compassion.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

simply

"'On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’” Acts 15:11

no hoops to have
to jump through.

no secret handshake

that is shared in the shadows.

no written test with either

essays or multiple choice.

no proof of ancestry, education,

resume, passport required.

no need to bring references

from at least 5 people who

have known you for 10 years or more.

no musical knock on a door or

password with a certain response,

no retinal scan or 

scanned palm print necessary.

no statement of a perfect life lived

or pins with perfect attendance

in Sunday school dangling to your ankle.

no baptismal certificate or

letter of transfer.

just grace.

pure grace

simple grace

only grace.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

thalassophobia

"On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side.' And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'  He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.  He said to them, 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?' 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'  Mark 4:35-41

yes,
we admit it.

we are afraid.

you might want 

to sail across the

Sea of Polarization

and have us land 

on the far shore where 

everything we cannot

abide is found

you might fall asleep

while we are being 

tossed about by those

mock us because 

our beliefs are so different,

you might rebuke 

our fierce anger just

as we are about 

to lash out at another,

whispering 'peace'

in our hard-to-hear souls.

so

give us that faith

which will allow us

to get into the boat

with you this day

despite our fears.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

obloquy

"Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, 

   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud." Psalm 123:3-4

let the powerful pour out

as much scorn as they have

stored up in their hearts,

we will not stop filling 

the emptiness of the forgotten

with all the hope they need.

let the arrogant continue

to mock us for seeking justice

for all who are dismissed so easily,

but we will not cease our struggles

for diversity, equality, and inclusion.

let the wealthy offer their 

daily diet of obloquy all they want,

but we will never give up 

on seeking a system where ethics

apply to politicians and judges 

who think they get to set their own rules.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

a parable

 "He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them," Mark 4:2

A vlogger published a video about justice.

some folks saw it but then it immediately was taken down because it may have violated some standards in its area.

some people watched it, and got all worked up about what it was all about, but then became immediately distracted when a new video about Barbieheimer showed up in their feed.

a couple of folks took it and, using new AI technology, changed the words (but mimicked the vlogger's voice) to make it appear to support teaching students about how slavery gave people skills which changed their lives for the better.

but some saw it, watched it again, and not only helped it to go viral, but went out and began to advocated for changes which made a difference for the forgotten.

Let anyone with eyes pay attention.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Sabbath

"Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him.  And he said to the man who had the withered hand, 'Come forward.' Then he said to them, 'Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?' But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' He stretched it out, and his hand was restored."  Mark 3:1-5

There were a lot of Pharisees around when I was growing up, those nosy Parkers who spent their day of rest making sure everyone was toeing the line on Sunday.  True, one restaurant could be open, as well as one drug store (for emergencies), with both types of businesses taking turns.  But everyone else better mind their manners.  Movie houses were closed, main street looked like a ghost town, and your parents might get a call if their kids were seen in the front yard playing any sort of game (apparently, Sunday's boundaries did not include backyards).  

Yes, those were different times and, thank God, most of those restrictive rules are gone.  Though like so many other things today, there is a nostalgic longing to go back to those good ol' days.  After all, if every other option in town was closed, no wonder the places of worship were so full.  It was not so much about faith perhaps, but that was where folks, especially kids, could hang out with their friends on those long Sundays.

I am not sure if we understood what Sabbath was truly about back then, and maybe we haven't made much progress in all those decades since.  Yes, it is about rest.  Holy rest, sacred rest, renewal of one's soul.  Sometimes we get it by gathering in worship with others, or sharing in a meal, going on long hikes, reading a book, sitting in silence, or even taking a nap.  Not just on Sunday but whatever day we use for Sabbath keeping.

But in doing these things, and others, are we really paying attention to what observing Sabbath is all about, are we listening and discovering what Jesus is trying to emphasize in this encounter?  It seems to me that we are focusing more about what we are doing then what Jesus is saying in a new way about the Sabbath.  Maybe, in our own way, we are devising different ways to keep this commandment as a way to earn points with God, rather than hearing Jesus telling of how the Beloved Community is bursting forth in our very midst, and we need to stop getting out of the way.

Maybe our insistence (and it comes across across that way at times) that every believer find some time to keep Sabbath is simply a new rule replacing an old one.  Maybe the higher judicatories of churches making sure that religious workers are taking 'Sabbath time' is simply a new regulation then an encouragement of a spiritual discipline.  Maybe we preachers are creating some sort of litmus test when we inquire about what our people are doing to improve their spiritual life. 

None of these efforts are wrong, but I worry about how they might become barriers to the renewing work of healing, justice, restoration, and hope that Jesus focused on in his life and ministry.  Perhaps the challenge is the same as it has always been, of discovering how we can find and reclaim that marvelous rhythm of work and rest which Sabbath is meant to offer, recognizing that there are those times when work takes priority, but also being aware of those moments (which more often than not are not planned) when our hearts, our bodies, our souls simply sat 'rest.'

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

A pub just for you

"And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples — for there were many who followed him."  Mark 2:15

Anybody who has been around me for awhile, or read any of my devotional type writings, know that I love golden retrievers and orange cats, pretty much anything involving chocolate (except when folks try to make it spicy for some weird reason), a good cup of tea, and books.  Especially mysteries.

I have a special affinity for those set in the British Isles.  Perhaps it is because the very first detective I discovered decades ago was Sherlock Holmes.  I don't know.  But they do appeal to me.  Recently, I have become addicted to the Bryant & May series by the late Christopher Fowler, as well as trying to read my way through the British Library Crime Classics collection.  

I shouldn't be that surprised, but I am always intrigued by how many times pubs play a role in these mysteries.  Gathering places for both detectives and troublemakers, intimate glimpses into the lives of locals no matter what the decade, physical locations in London, Glasgow, and  cozy villages.  The titles of each of the Richard Jury mysteries by the gifted Martha Grimes are the names of pubs in the book.  And as a fan of C. S. Lewis as well as Tolkien, I have to mention The Eagle and the Child.  (Maybe someone could write a mystery series featuring the Inklings as amateur sleuths??)

I can envision The Tax Collectors and Sinners being a perfect name for a pub.  Located not on some main throughfare or in a large village, but down a some narrow side street in a city or in a small village where cars on the busy highways fly past, never noticing the turnoff.  It's placement is a little iffy, so the constable walking by might warn you to 'mind how you go' and the street corner preacher is calling you and the other folks heading toward the pub to repent and go the other way.

A pub with windows that need some cleaning but where you see warm lights glowing behind the panes.  A pub where the front step is worn smooth by all who have gone in and out over the years, and the door is just a little bit wonky because folks held it open for a few moments  before reluctantly shutting it behind them when they left.  A haven where folks make room for you at the bar, as the Spirit is wiping off the moisture from cold pints and listening to the stories of loss, grief, and loneliness. A place to get the best Ploughman's Lunch, Fish and Chips, or Pie and Mash. A respite where you can have a quiet conversation at a corner table with an addict, an ex-con, a drag queen, and Jesus, all of them telling stories right and left.  A warm spot when everyone has turned a cold shoulder on you, but be careful when God invites you to play darts, claiming to know nothing about the game. 

With the sign needing paint, and the arrows on the corner constantly taken down by the prim and proper crowd, it might be hard to find, but if you keep looking, you will be glad you found it, as you step into that sacred pub called The Tax Collectors and Sinners.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Church shopping

He will regard the prayer of the destitute,
      and will not despise their prayer.
Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
      so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD:
that he looked down from his holy height,
      from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners,
      to set free those who were doomed to die;
so that the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion,
      and his praise in Jerusalem,
when peoples gather together,

      and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.  Psalm 102:17-22

I know that at some point I will lay down my voice, stop preaching, and become one of the folks who sit in the pews, chairs, or around tables in church.  So as I drive around, I tend to notice the churches I pass.  There are the mainstream ones like the Methodists, Lutherans,  Episcopalians, and my store brand (Presbyterian).  There are the non-denominational, sometimes nondescript kind.  There are the 'big box' churches which look more like a national hardware store, and the ones with multiple campuses.  Occasionally, I will pass a small one off to the side, a Mennonite, or Friends, something like that.  Something quite intriguing.

I become more and more intrigued by the names on these buildings.  Words like Rock, Veritas, Guide, Refinery, and one even called Vertical.  Maybe they are on to something, as it seems their parking lots seem to have more cars than the mainstream ones.  I don't know.

I am not sure I could go to a church called Rock, but I would try out the Broken Church, where fractured hearts, shredded dreams, tattered souls, ruptured relationships could be placed on the Table right next to the bread crumbs and the dented cup.

I would not seek out a church whose names sounds like they are in the oil business, trying to convert rather crude folks into more refined, cultured people.  Yet, I would try out the Muddy Church, where folks whose shoes are spit-polished sit next to those with jeans which have patches patches.  Where sticky-fingered kids hold hands with those who have at least one ring on every finger.  Where dogs walk around licking up all the food dropped on the floor and folks can pick up a cat at the door who will curl up in their lap during the service.

I know at some point I will probably need a Church of the Bewildered, where folks who are living in their second childhood hear nursery rhymes about grace and sing along on familiar songs.  Where people who cannot remember their own names find everyone wearing nametags - with 'Beloved' printed on each one.  Where volunteers take care of people who seem confused as to where they are, while their caregivers are in other rooms getting massages, pedicures, or taking naps.

I would feel downright uncomfortable in a church convinced it has all the truth.  But the church that has a big question mark on the roof, instead of a steeple?  I would give that a try.  More and more, I am attracted to the doubters, the questioners, the skeptics, the scoffers, the young who have no filter when it comes to challenging platitudes, and the older folks who are wise enough not to think theology is simply a game of 3 card monte.

I would not go to a vertical church, though I understand quite clearly what that name implies.  But the Flat On Our Faces Church?  The one with those who have fallen flat on their faith, and where those who slip on the banana peels tossed on the ground by the arrogant so they can have a good laugh at the vulnerable attend?  The place where the rough sleepers are offered shelter with out question, where the trans kids who have been kicked out of their homes and victimized by politicians find a family, the one where the groans of the heartbroken are not only heard but turned into songs?  The home where everyone knows who you are because they know exactly who they are - foolish, forsaken, hopeful, mistake prone, getting most things wrong but getting grace right, tossed aside by the world yet out in the streets working for justice, trusting in that loser Jesus who was as doomed to die as we are

yet who refuses to give up on giving us life?

Yeah.  I definitely would give that faith space a try.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

TGIM

I will extol you, my God and King,

    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
   and praise your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2

Thank God It's Monday!

Yep, you read it correctly.  Thank God, it is Monday.

For that means I have a chance to begin the week with just a bit less grumbling, and offering a lot more of that grace I sang about at church yesterday.

For if it is Monday again, I can decide that today, and the days which follow, will be spent focusing more on those I will encounter this day and in the days to come, and less time thinking everything is about me, and everyone should pay more attention to me.

If it is indeed Monday, and the calendar says it is, I will be given the opportunity to gather up all those prayers which were uttered by me and others in worship, and turn them into actual actions of feeding the hungry, seeking justice for the forgotten, working for peace among those who disagree with others, taking care of everyone who is overlooked by the powerful, and listening just a bit more carefully to those I say are most important in my life.

For if today is Monday, and I am just starting the week, I can put on my calendar those moments when I will turn off my device and listen to the silence, when I will cancel a committee meeting (which is unnecessary to start with) so folks can catch a breather in their days, and I can pause before firing up my device in order to watch the sun rising and the mist over the lawns and the birds flitting across the sky.

It is Monday.

Thank God!

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

role playing

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David’s hand. 1 Samuel 17:50

One of the hermeneutical 'tricks' I learned years ago, was to invite people to see themselves in a particular story in the Bible.  Do you see yourself as the lead, a character actress, just one of the extras who stands around for an hour, before being glimpsed in the crowd or walking in the background of a scene.  I was taught that it was a useful technique (especially if one was experiencing a 'sermon block' and Sunday was coming up fast in the rearview mirror.

But what I discovered, and still notice in social media comments/posts/memes, is that 99.9% of us (and I include myself) always, always see ourselves as the hero, the one in the starring.

We are always David, killing the giant with a stone flung with our small slingshot. We never see ourselves as the giant standing there, taunting and threatening the weak, vulnerable Israelites.  

We never see ourselves in the role of the greedy, manipulating money changers in the Temple, We are always the passionate, outraged, righteous Jesus, driving them out.

Though we might admit to being Peter (just as a brief, quickly forgotten cameo) but Judas? Never!  Never!

But, if we are privileged because of our money, education, ancestry, work, where we live, the vehicles we drive, the ease we have to travel where and when we want, the good healthcare and all the other perks, well

maybe we are more like the bully Goliath, lording it over the forgotten, the rough sleepers, the folks working menial jobs.

Maybe we are more like the money changers, paying close attention to the vagaries of our pensions and portfolios, and begrudging the requests to be more charitable towards those who are struggling.

Maybe we are more like Judas when we sell out Jesus for the politician we support, the economic system which benefits the privileged like us, the religious belief that is aligned more with our personal dislikes than God's love for every single person around us.

Maybe, just maybe, we are not as heroic as we see ourselves.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman 

eight glasses a day

O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.  Psalm 63:1-2

I went to see the doctor this week for my semi-annual checkup.  Everything seems to be functioning fairly well though, like an older car, I need to pay more attention to regular  maintenance.  One of the things I was encouraged to do was to drink more water, partly because of my age, but also because of one of those maintenance issues.  

That's okay.  It seems like a minor adjustment to make.  Drink a full glass of water with each meal, keep a full container of water with me, and drink from it on a regular basis.  And of course, since it is July and heading into that season called 'hot,' I would be doing it more often anyway.  When it gets cooler and winter, I will need to be more diligent.

The psalmist reminds me that while I may be more aware, and pushed to greater awareness by my doctor, of physical thirst, I may need to pay a little bit more attention to my spiritual thirst.  To that dryness in my throat, to the desert of loneliness which might be developing in my soul, to that barrenness that seems to be creeping into some of my attitudes.  

It might not be as simple as heading over to the sink and turning on the faucet.  I am advised by the spiritual physician who wrote this prescription to spend more time with God in the sanctuary.  I take this to mean more personal time in prayer and reflection (not just putting together a worship service).  I see the sanctuary not so much as a physical location, but finding a place to rest in God's heart.  Perhaps not so much my talking, but sitting in silence as I listen for that still small voice.

Perhaps I need to pay more attention to God's power, not so much might and great force, but in the gentle breeze stirring the leaves out of the corner of my eye, so I look up from my device and notice creation.  Not so much the awesome spectacle of the lightning and thunder of a storm moving through, but noticing the flowers drinking deeply, the trees dancing in the wind, the birds beginning to sing, 'all clear.'

I need to be more diligent about recognizing God's glory.  Not so much in a stunning sunrise or sunset, but in the wrinkled faces of older folks whose wisdom is etched in every line.  Not so much in the rather arrogant boasts of the powerful and wealthy, but in the stories of those who have survived brokenness and helped others become whole.  Not so much in Not so much running after the pied pipers of temptation, but in willing to become humble enough to walk with the forgotten.

I may not take care of this sort of thirst as easily as drinking 8 glasses of water a day, but maybe by sipping slowly and gratefully from grace, hope, justice, peace, and love, I might not feel as much fatigue in my soul or such a drought in my heart.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Get your feet wet!

 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  Mark 1:4-8

As far as I know, John the Baptist has never appeared on any greeting card.  Which is surprising, since he plays such an important role in the life of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry.  But it may not be that surprising, since who would want to receive a card with a wild-eyed, bushy-haired, strangely dressed, locust-breathed fellow waving his arms and shouting for everyone to repent before all hell breaks loose.

But that's not what John is doing, at least here in Mark's gospel.  

He is not preaching repentance, and get right with Jesus should you die before the sun rises tomorrow.  He's calling people to be baptized.  And he does so by taking a moment, a story the listeners know all too well.  

He calls people to come out of the city, come out of the rural places, and gather on the edge of the river.  He knows, as they all do that life is not what they expected or wanted.  They are weary, they are in despair, they worry about the future.  They are trapped, they are locked in by their fears, they (like the ancestors in Egypt) are under the control of harsh taskmasters.  The Romans may not be forcing them to make bricks out of mud and straw, but they might as well have been.

And now, they stand on the edge.  Being called, challenged, encouraged to step into the water, to leave their lives, their burdens, their past behind.  Yes, step in to be baptized, but also to symbolically walk through the waters which will bring them to the other shore where hope, new life, new promises await.  

It's God's grace which creates the opportunity for them to turn their back on the past, and walk into God's future.  It is God's hope which washes their feet of their dreary lives up to this point.  It is God's love which will lap around their feet and tickle their toes as they break into great laughs of joy.  It is God who is calling, providing, pointing the way and promising to be with them on this journey.  Not with a pillar of cloud by day, or a pillar of fire by night,

but with the Beloved who steps into the water with them, and leads the way. 

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

unlawful mess

The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. But Peter made him get up, saying, “Stand up; I am only a mortal.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; and he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?”  Acts 10:23b-29

there are those
who would make it unlawful

for a librarian to give

some of the best books

ever written to card holders.

there are those

who would make it illegal

for a therapist to care

for a young person

struggling with gender identity.

there are those

trying to implement regulations

prohibiting citizens their

legal right to vote.

there are those

who have passed laws

making it a crime 

for a doctor to counsel

a woman about her pregnancy.

there are bills

being signed which

would prevent teachers

from talking about the history

which shapes the lives of

the students in their classrooms.

Lord, in your mercy . . .

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Make up your mind!

The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is now before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.  1 Samuel 16:1-13

This is a much beloved story from Scripture.

Saul has made a right mess of this thing called leadership, and while many seem to still want to cling to him and his failed leadership, God has something else in mind.  As usual, God is going to try another way, God is going to do a new thing.

God sends the prophet, Samuel, as a nominating committee to find a new king.  He is directed to go to a specific place, to a specific family where the choice will become readily apparent.  But it doesn't.  Samuel, like many committees charged with finding a suitable candidate for a position, is tricked by appearances.  Who is the most athletic, the best looking, the most charismatic?  Who is going to have 'star appeal' and wow all the focus groups and make outstanding ads?

No big surprise, God will have none of that.  Samuel says (with each one), "Found him!"  God says, "Keep looking."  Finally, with all the logical candidates given a thumbs down by God, Samuel asks, 'that's it?  Nobody else left?"  Well, there is the baby of the family, and of course, he has the most menial of tasks, he's out in the fields with the sheep.  And there it is, the big reveal.  Not the most athletic, the best looking, the most charismatic.  But the dirtiest, the smelliest, the most naive of the clan.  But when David shows up, God says, "Finally.  Pick him."

It is not really surprising.  The role of shepherd and the role of leader are intertwined in the Old Testament.  Once Jesse says, 'oh yeah. There's a boy out in the fields with the sheep,' we know the rest of the story.  

But here is what has always bugged me about this beloved story.  God says 'don't look at the outer appearance,' yet when David is chosen, we are told quite clearly what a hunk he is!  Why throw that in?  Was it a wink-wink from the writer of the book to reassure us that the best leaders are always the most popular, the most charismatic, the most athletic?

Or is it a subtle suggestion that, like us, sometimes God has trouble making up the divine mind?  

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Easter

we would have
no trouble
believing
if
your teachings had
been passed down,
each new generation
copying them down
from the blackboard
into their blue books;
your thoughts had
spawned a philosophy
which took up a
whole department
in the university;
your followers had
organized a political power
which threw the rascals
out of power;
 
but you . . .?
 
you turn to face
us,
a dead ringer
for our friend
laid in the grave,
 
scaring us
half
to life.
 
© Thom M. Shuman
 
 

Holy Saturday

 “You came near when I called on you;
    you said, ‘Do not fear!’” Lamentations 3:57
 
into the shadows that seem
so thick we cannot see
our hope in front of our faces,
into the silence that is
so deafening we cannot
hear a whisper of grace,
into the brokenness not
even the queen’s guard
can put back together,
into the tears which quench
the flickering candle
of our faith,
into the death which seems
to have the final word
over us, you come and
take us by the hand,
‘don’t be scared, sillies;
i’ve been down here before
and know the way out.’
 
© Thom M. Shuman
 

Grim Friday

 “But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope:” Lamentations 3:21
 
when each moment
stretches out endlessly,
when our loneliness seems
to throw us off kilter,
when the forecast for life today
shows fears storms swirling around us,
may we hear that hope
you whispered while wrapped
in death’s chill embrace:
 
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
    his mercies never come to an end;” Lamentations 3:22
 
© 2022 Thom M. Shuman
 

Holy Thursday

 “While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it.”  Mark 14:22-23
 
when we had eaten
our fill, we got up
from the table, brushing
the crumbs of you off
our laps, and
as you turned to go
out the door, we quickly
emptied the half-full cups
hoping our senses might be
dulled enough to let us
sleep
while your tears dropped
down into the dust
of that shadowed garden
blooming into black roses
 
© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Holy Wednesday

 “But if anyone has caused pain . . . I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2: 5a, 8a
 
we find it so easy
to hold grudges against
those we have never met
simply
because of how they look,
what comes out of their mouths,
their political beliefs, so
remind us that even
in the final days, up
to that very last breath,
you continued to love those
closest to you,
the very best of friends
who denied you,
turned their backs on you,
betrayed you
forgot you
 
© 2020 Thom M. Shuman

holy tuesday

“Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her; the LORD has commanded against Jacob that his neighbors should become his foes; Jerusalem has become a filthy thing among them.
The LORD is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word; but hear, all you peoples, and behold my suffering; my young women and young men have gone into captivity.” Lamentations 1:17-18

you stretch
out
your hands
hoping someone
(anyone)
will grasp them
tenderly,
compassion's balm
softening the callused
pads of your palms;
firmly,
with the grip
of friendship
drawing you into
an embrace;
hopefully,
as the hearts
of others swaddle
your shattered heart . . .
but
we slap them
away
muttering
for you to leave us

alone.

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Holy Monday

 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:1
 
in the former comedian
serious about saving his country,
in the children who
stand up to bullies
on playgrounds as well
as in legislatures,
in the young people
who long to be accepted
for who they know they are
and not how others define them,
in the older folks
who will not go gently
into that night (or day)
of being discounted,
 
we are surrounded by
more servants than
we can begin to imagine
 
© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Palm/Passion Sunday

 “Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double.” Zechariah 9:12
 
locked into pandemic’s
prison with the key
thrown away,
hope
uses our brittle fears
to pick open the door
to lead us back into life.
after months (no, years!)
of feeling we were
isolated from compassion,
hope tiptoes into our
hearts to take us by the hand,
and lead us out to that
dusty road we’ve walked
every day of every month.
 
however long the past
has been and however
uncertain the future seems,
yet
we will double down
on hope
just as you did,
our Sibling in love.
 
© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Sixth Saturday in Lent

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’” Mark 10:51

gently remove those
cataracts of aging prejudices,
pull out the logs
of our long loneliness,
wipe away the gunk
caused by the bitter
words flung at others
so
we can see clearly
the hope, the wonder,
the justice, the grace
all around us.

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Sixth Friday in Lent

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

in those tossed aside
by an uncaring world,
in the folks sleeping
rough on park benches,
in lives shattered by
isolation’s pandemic,
in the ones whose future
lies in dust at their feet,
we find the heirlooms
of your heart, that
grace, that wonder,
that justice, that hospitality
we would never have
within ourselves if
you had not placed them
there

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Sixth Thursday in Lent

“Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness,” 2 Corinthians 3:12

the
always-running-for-office
try to convince us
that they are our only hope,
but you take the little child
who is making sandwiches
for the homeless and say,
‘notice her, not them.’

some are still afraid
to venture out and in to
stores, restaurants, and such,
and instead of trying to
guilt them into joining them,
may we get instahope
to place a delivery
in front of their door.

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Sixth Wednesday in Lent

“and you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:3

no matter how
hard i rub,
hope
will not be erased.
no matter how often
i press the button,
grace
will not
be deleted.
no matter how
many times i
tear it up and
throw it away,
love
will still be written.

for you are the
Author
of my heart

© 2020 Thom M. Shuman

Fifth Tuesday in Lent

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD,
and was saved from every trouble. Psalm 34:4-6

i walked the streets
trying to find someone
who knew what i was
going through these days
but figured the homeless
veteran sitting in the doorway
would not have any wisdom.
i wandered through the day
the shadow of my worries
trailing behind me, as i longed
to find that joy i dropped
somewhere earlier, but never
noticed the golden retriever
with the goofy smile trembling
to be my faithful friend.
i sat at the bus stop
muttering disjointed words
and snippets of song which
echoed my soul’s pain,
and the little lady next
to me smiled, and whispered,
‘it will be okay, hon’ and held
my hand all the way until
i reached my corner, three
stops past where she
usually got off

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Fifth Monday in Lent

"Let your steadfast love become my comfort

    according to your promise to your servant.”
Psalm 119:76

when the bullies of hate
hurl their words at us,
your love wraps itself
around us like a shawl.
when we wonder what
we can do for those
held captive by prejudice,
your justice takes us
by the hand and shows
us the skills we need.
when the months of
fear and isolation keep us
from running into the future,
your hope teaches us
the baby steps we need.

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Fifth Sunday in Lent

“so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” Romans 12:5

while we were scattered,
you gathered us in that
sacred space of your heart.
while we were isolating,
Spirit reached out to
place our hands in those
who were far away, so
we could listen to those
new songs of life and
dance together at
double arms’ length.
even alone
we were still family
with those we could not
see, except through windows.
and as we waited
behind the stone
pandemic had rolled
across the entrance of our lives,
we waited patiently
for you to call us forth
into that new day of resurrection
for all.

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Fifth Saturday in Lent

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant . . .” 1 Corinthians 13: 4 ff

love takes its time
with those in a rush.
love is a gentle hand
instead of a slap,
love never wants
what others have,
never pats itself of the back,
never puffs itself up or
pushes others out of the way.
love lets others break in line;
it doesn’t get is knickers
in a twist over silly things
nor does it get hostile
when others bug it.
it doesn’t applaud foolishness,
and it honors factcheckers.
love carries the fallen
believes the discounted,
hopes when others mock,
sticks with others through
everything and everyone one.
nothing can stop love from loving.
not the angry words of politicians
or the pomposity of commentators,
not the long-tenured professor
or the glib-tongued salesperson.
we don’t have a clue about life
though we claim to have solved the mystery,
but when we reach the end,
it will all fall in place for us, even
the parts we skipped over.
we have been babies and toddlers,
tweeners and teenagers, thinking
we were learning all we needed,
but now we know less than we did.
we wipe the fog off the mirror
and all we see is our foolishness,
but one day we will see God’s face.
we may be preschoolers when
it comes to understanding grace,
but there will be that moment
when God hands as our diploma
whispering, ‘i never doubted you.’
all those gifts we sing about, talk about,
try to share with others are all around us,
woven together by that scarlet thread
called love

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman

Fifth Friday in Lent

“my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.” Psalm 130:6

we’re not that sort,
Lord,
those who wait
those who watch.
we are the impatient ones,
always running, always rushing,
flitting from one thing to another.

we’re not that sort,
Lord,
those who wait
those who watch.
yet
(in these last months)
we have discovered
the patience underlying
the hard task of waiting
for
hope to appear on horizons
grace to tiptoe down the hall
love to whisper in our ears.

we’re not that sort,
Lord,
those who wait
those who watch.
yet
in those uncertain days
when we kept cleaning
our glasses and putting
drops in our eyes for
fear we couldn’t see clearly,
we have learned to practice
the spiritual discipline of
watching

simply keeping (not
just our eyes) but our
souls wide open
to find you in the places
and people we never expected

© 2022 Thom M. Shuman