Dear Parish Family,

I realize that many of you will be traveling this Thanksgiving to be with family. I’ve heard from more than one person about how political views are creating deep schisms within families and anxiety is starting to build about spending time around the table when you “just cannot stomach” the views of some family members.

The challenge of living in divided times is to take control of the division. Say no to the algorithms used by social media platforms that seek to sow discord instead of peace in your life and at your dining room table. Truly I hear your discomfort when confronted with family strife that is driven by politicians because I live it with some members of my own family. But please know this: even though it’s hard, we can choose who we want to be in this world. It just takes practice and it takes constantly recommitting when we don’t succeed at seeing the Christ in ALL people. As I look at the last words of David as recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-7, I think about what my last words would be if I could choose them. Then I think about what more of my words would be if I could choose them, and I remember I CAN choose them.

If holiday gatherings are stressful for you, think about them as an opportunity to play the role of the person you would like to be—the person you hope you are—the person you hope will be remembered after you utter your last words.

We are all so much more than we believe ourselves to be, and because of that, I believe we don’t have to let politics and hate keep us from fulfilling our intention to faithfully follow in the footsteps of Christ.

I am grateful for you, and whatever is happening “out there,” in the church I feel hope. Let freedom ring and love prevail—we can do this.

In Christ’s love and peace,

Pan +