Last Sunday, I spent time with my mom as she watched her usual church services. I had been up that morning working and getting things done with my job in anticipation of my big trip. I paused and said, “That’s enough, Anna.” I settled in and tuned in together to First Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. She was married there over 60 years ago in the small chapel to my father, who passed away about 3 years ago. While attending VCU, I attended college and career classes and sang in the choir for some time. Parish and I have this great memory of attending one of the classes together and munching on a bag of dried fruit. I’ll leave it to your imagination, but we paid for this decision later that night, and no romance was involved.
I love to worship, and I can do so just about anywhere. In nature, in various denominations, within a crowded space, as I turn inward and pray, life events remind me of His blessings, and laying in bed in the middle of the night. So, sitting at home with my mom, watching the message, and listening to the music with her brought me great joy.
The music, the children’s message, the passages read, and the benediction all focused and aligned with the message, “Do I have a right to be angry?”
Like most humans, I can get angry quickly when I feel like, “It’s not fair!”
The children’s sermon was great! She focused on a fairness meter and how the meter goes up and down depending on how much I feel justified in the fairness of treatment to self and others.
The Pastor continued to share a story about Jonah. His anger that God would spare a people who were, in his opinion, not deserving of saving. God called Jonah to do His work and share the love of God with people who did not know the beauty and joy of this perfect love. “It’s not fair!”
I reflected on the message in my life. I quickly become angry when things seem unfair at home, my job, and the world around me. Is there a better response? Anger can propel change, and its energy can motivate us. There is a place for anger, as Jesus expressed his emotion over social justice issues and tried to change the mindset of religious leaders in that day. However, I don’t think, in my opinion, that He ruminated, led with anger, or walked around with a chip on His shoulder and defensiveness.
The switch went off. I thought of the times, a moment, a conversation, a meeting turned sour because I wanted to scream, “That’s not fair!” In fact, it seems sometimes, everyone is yelling the same thing because no one is being heard. At least, it feels that way.
What if instead of anger, there is focused understanding, love, and a pause with the knowing that God is and can work through the situation. Can I speak words of truth and love without anger?
Jonah found himself in storms, a ship’s belly, and a whale’s belly. He had pity parties and was so stubborn in his fairness meter he would rather wither from heat exhaustion than embrace God’s love.
I loved how the Pastor shared the verses in Jonah, Chapter 4.
Jonah 4:11 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?”
I smiled. It reminded me of the little turtle I found on my walk. God cared for and created the animals. He has a special place in His heart for them. And, the children. He explained that children can’t distinguish their left hand from their right. Alas, Jonah cared more for the withered tree that gave him shade than even the children and animals of the city, much less the entire community of people.
I can focus so much on my justified stance that I could miss God’s bigger plan for me and all His people.
When I feel that meter rising, I remember this message and ask God to show me His peace and understanding. Help me love big.
I’ll close with these words from a song the choir sang. How fitting for our time, the space my mom finds herself in, and her daughter who is still learning the love of God.
The Lord supports the fainting mind
And send the laboring conscience peace.
God helps the stranger in distress,
The widowed and the parentless,
And grants the prisoner sweet release.I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath;
Isaac Watts
And when my voice is lost in death,
Praise shall employ my nobler powers.
My days of praise shall ne’er be past
While life and thought and being last,
Or immortality endures.
As no surprise, God connected the message to my everyday. My grandson was learning about Jonah in his preschool. He has a message for us! As a side note, I kept looking at the church pastor, thinking he reminded me of someone I know. Then it dawned on me: He looks like Spencer, Jr. as an older man. I told Victoria, and she agreed. Precious.
Dr. Jim Somerville
ARRESTED BY GRACE 