When the winds roar

When the winds roar

and the seas rise

when

the beauty and terror 

of nature

fling themselves full force

and tear asunder

bodies

and lives

houses and communities

we are confused

voices come from everywhere

God caused this

God took those poor people home

God spared those people

It is the wrath of God

God obviously doesn't exist

How could a loving God allow this to happen?

 It is part of God's plan

we are moved

our responses are varied and sometimes strange

there is anger

crudeness

there are people who throw their anger and hate

at everything

and everyone

and there is love 

and compassion

and remarkable acts of kindness

tragedies tear at the fabric of our hearts

and our logic

our theology

our faith

just as surely as the winds of a tornado

tear apart

a grade school in Oklahoma

I have no answers

O Lord

for such moments

I do not clearly understand

I will never understand

but then I do not understand

the cross

either

so much is beyond my comprehension

only one thing stands clear

That you are present

as you were present 

even as Jesus cried

my God my God

why have your forsaken me

you are present

you are with them

in them

Oh Lord remind all

in travail

of your presence

help them to know

that your tears 

mix with their tears

and help them stumble

out of the valley

and the shadow 

of death

into love 

and grace


PS
(and teach us how
to walk with them
and each other...
help us to be present as well
in your name)