The world feels heavy these days. Amidst the joys of new births and hopes fulfilled, we also hold loss, disappointment, fear, grief and anger. We are exhausted and brokenhearted. We are numb and overwhelmed. We are shocked and not surprised at humanity's inclination to do evil or rejoice over violence and loss of life ... and so we cry out, "How long, O Lord?"

In times like these, we need holy spaces and holy moments of lament and hope, where we can join the psalmist's cries for justice and remember the stories of the prophets who came before us. We need to hear the words of Jesus who calls us to love our enemies, again and again, even as the tyrants rage. A time of worship, lament, prayer, community, and hope help us remember that the Lord is not far off, nor silent, but is listening.

The Lord hears. We are not alone.