With the conclusion of an emotional campaign season and election results that presented a clear dichotomy between progressive inclusion and conservative isolationism, this poem written on November 6 by Steve Garnaas-Holmes served as balm for my wounded spirit. For those still reeling and wondering what the future holds, I hope you, too, find comfort in these words for the third Thursday Gathering of Poetry.
When news is bad
Take seriously your grief.
It is love, stripped bare.
Let it flow through you.
Trust that you are held.
We all are held by the Beloved,
the Broken-Hearted One,
the One who Suffers most Deeply.
Know you are not alone.
Millions bear your sorrow.
Ancestors and even unborn generations
walk with you gratefully.
Seek others who are tenderhearted.
Receive all the grace you can.
In the flesh is best, but even in spirit,
know we are here.
Trust the Goodness.
God has not given up on us.
Through every disaster grace remains.
Refuse to despair.
Choose courage over selfishness,
trust over fear, love over anger.
You do not know the end of grace.
There is much you cannot change,
but bring healing where you can.
We are not promised to be given light,
but to shine with light.
Don’t become an enemy of the world
and its brokenness. Stay tender.
Become a source of comfort and joy for others.
Let this purpose bear you through the darkness
and you yourself will become light.
Take courage; trust grace;
stay connected; practice love.
Steve Garnaas-Holmes is a retired Methodist Minister living in Montana who shares daily reflections at Unfolding Light. His weekday thoughts are “rooted in a contemplative, Creation-centered spirituality … which invites readers into a spirit of presence, compassion, justice and delight.” His blog is Unfolding Light, which is also the title of several volumes of poetry.
Knit+ Librarian 
This is lovely and I thank you for sharing. Sometimes when it all gets to be too much, words like these are just what I long to hear.
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