They say it was like the rush of a mighty wind and there were tongues of fire resting on each one of them. And they were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other languages. And it confused the most devout.

They also say this was the start of the church. Chaos. Confusion. Bewilderment. Sounds about right.

Sometimes the rooms feel like places of chaos and confusion. Another young person has died. There is wailing and lament. Let this cup of addiction pass over me! Fiery chants from our mouths and tongues. A song of hope and healing. How long, Lord? How long to sing this song?

Surely there has been needless death not unlike our Savior on the cross. And fires and more blood and vaping and bad coffee. Lots of bad coffee. The young girls are prophesying, their tears are running through the streets. The young men see visions of a better tomorrow and freedom from cravings. The old dream dreams like many before them and carry the good news to the sick and suffering outside the doors. Because they know that 60 days and 90 days and 6 months turn into multiple years.

How long, Lord? How long?

How long until the rushing wind rests upon me? Until the wonders appear in the heavens above and the earth beneath? Until justice rolls down like waters? Until righteousness like a mighty river not the tears of the mothers? Until we learn to accept life on life’s terms?

So we lean into the God of our own understanding and we do the next right thing. We know we are a program of attraction not promotion. We know we are stronger as a body than we are by ourselves. We remain ready for God to remove our defects of character. We know we can call our sponsor and upon the name of the Lord and be saved from ourselves. And maybe even restored to sanity.

For such a time as this there may be chaos and confusion. But we also might actually see signs and wonders if we pay attention. Until our great and manifest day.

Deborah M
Lancaster PA