As we face continued tensions in our society, I would like to take a few moments to offer these thoughts about our role as women in the church and the world. We are all facing “recovery fatigue” whether from natural storms or societal tension. We may be growing weary of the requests for help on all fronts during this time. How can we “give” any more than we already are? Time, talent, and treasure are beginning to run thin.
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner of Great Britain spoke about the need for resilience during this time. “Dream and hang on” are her words for us. Dream of hurricane season being over and reaching our new normal. Dream of us coming together as a society to support each other. Hang on to each other!
As Episcopal Church Women, the comfort ministries often find their way to us. The National Episcopal Church Women have celebrated over 150 years of comfort to the world. In our Diocese of Southwest Florida, we are beginning our 54th year of service.
During my time as ECW president and now as Coordinator for Women’s Ministries, I am always moved by the way in which women are serving in their local parishes. In one, the ECW supports women of low income by providing free mammograms. They also comfort women who are going through treatments for cancer and other diseases by driving them to appointments, providing meals and childcare, and just being there. ECW, in some churches, brings comfort often by providing mourning families with beautiful funeral receptions. These women are the quiet force behind preparing the church with tissues, lovely memorial service bulletins, and even serving at the altar during the service.
It is our joy to bring comfort to others through serving on prayer support groups; holding in thought and prayer those in our parishes who may be charged with the tasks of searching for a new rector, preparing for stewardship campaigns, and taking communion to our shut-ins. In our weekly prayers on Sunday, we ask that God will “comfort and succor all those in need, sorrow, or any other adversity.”
Comfort for me is the bringing of hope to those who feel hopeless, lost, unloved, and those crying out to the Lord. Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for all his children is a way for us to comfort each other.
I know that I personally turn to Psalms when searching for comfort. Psalm 121:7-8, “The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” is especially comforting during times of uncertainty. Also, there is comfort in Psalm 23, not only in times of grief, but also in those times when anxious thoughts fill my mind. He is always there.
Think about that small baby, born in a stable, to parents of few means. Where did they find comfort? Surely, most of us would not consider a stable as comfort, however it gave shelter and comfort to this family and to a great miracle. He came as a baby. He taught us an itinerant preacher. He brings us joy he holds our hand and is a comfort to this day to those who believe in Him.