Are We Powerless?

So am I the only one who feels powerless in the mess of the world?  Like a nobody who can’t really make a difference?

I suspect I’m not alone…And it’s true: if “powerless” means we can’t fix every injustice, end every war, feed every hungry person then yep, we are indeed powerless.

BUT…But what if we do have power brewing restlessly within our spirits, waiting to be tapped and used?  What if simply the desire to help, to make a difference, to do SOMETHING is in itself a power that can matter?

Some who read this may know that I have been active against the death penalty for some time.  In Missouri, it is an extreme uphill fight and that fight feels nearly hopeless.  In January, Missouri killed Amber, making we who are citizens sadly technically responsible.  Yes, she was guilty.  That is not questioned.  But I ask: why in God’s name do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?  Not to mention the issues of terrible defense representation and other key justice matters.  PLUS innocence: in February we are scheduled to execute a demonstrably innocent man.  I hope that may change.  But we have killed the innocent before, and no matter how hard some of us try, over and over again, the effort feels hopeless and we feel powerless.

BUT (that word again).  I have seen minds changed.  When I was in ministry in Illinois, something, perhaps a rising of opposition, changed the mind of the Governor who instituted a moratorium on the death penalty which eventually was eliminated in that state.  Who knows how many letters or calls or prayers made the difference?  Somehow a rising of power for justice and love made a difference.

Peace church inspires me with a deep commitment to use power to make a difference. In dollars and volunteering, this community feeds the hungry locally and so much more.  And so do so many other people and groups that let their power rise up for change in what I keep calling the mess of this world.

Now here’s the thing…Some are called to be out on the streets, running for office, donating dollars, volunteering many hours of action, and more.  But for others of us who can’t do those things for whatever reasons, using our power to make phone calls to legislators and writing letters can matter.  Voting can matter.  And as I used to tell church members in nursing care who felt powerless, prayer matters and can be powerful. 

We are not powerLESS.  In some amazing, surprising ways, we are powerFUL.  Claim it.  Use it.  Who knows, the mess of the world and our country may be less messy because of us…