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Amid all the uncertainties of life, we like to think that at the very least we are assured that we stand on solid ground.\u00a0 This weekend forced us to confront the fact that even the earth on which we stand is subject to shifting, sometimes quite violently.<\/p>\n
As a native Californian, I was almost relieved when the 6.4 magnitude earthquake came, because my understanding is that earthquakes happen when pressure is built up, so any release of pressure helps to prevent another, more catastrophic, quake.\u00a0 It seemed odd that there were so many aftershocks, but it was the second quake, magnitude 7.1, that rolled for so long that it scared me.\u00a0 While the earth shifted like a boat in choppy waters, I wondered whether I should dive under my desk, and prayed for the people close to the epicenter.<\/p>\n
There have been thousands of aftershocks over the weekend, at times averaging one every minute.\u00a0 While many were too small to be felt, I wondered how the residents around Trona and Ridgecrest felt as the earth continued to shake, split, and rumble so relentlessly.\u00a0 There are few things we take as a given in our lives, and one is that the earth is solid beneath us\u2014so how does it impact our sense of security when the earth is far from solid?<\/p>\n
Throughout the Bible, we are reminded not to put our trust in temporary things\u2014riches, buildings, human rulers.\u00a0 At this time when buildings can tumble and expensive things are crushed, we are experiencing this teaching.\u00a0 When even the earth seems transient, what is lasting?\u00a0<\/p>\n
As people of faith, we are blessed to know that God, and the grace of Jesus Christ, and the healing and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, is ever with us.\u00a0 As people of God, may we see past surface decoration and appreciate the dignity, the gifts, the searching and insight of every person we meet.\u00a0 And as followers of Jesus Christ, may we prioritize the mission of our Lord, which is eternal and universal in scope, trusting that our Lord\u2019s grace is sufficient.<\/p>\n
And in so doing, may we be generous in offering aid to those whose lives have been shaken\u2014by earthquakes, by violence, by governmental detention.\u00a0 May this aid be a sign that no one is alone; that God has chosen to work through us to spread love and concern for those who most need it.<\/p>\n