Reflection God’s surprises
By Susan M. Lang
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).
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n December, I attended a small group retreat during which we looked at the work of profes- sor Brené Brown on shame and vulnerability. Her
research shows that human beings are hardwired for relationships and connectivity. Shame, which is present in all of us, is basically the fear of being disconnected. It affects us when we send ourselves messages that we’re not worthy of being connected or that somehow our being connected to another is conditional. What can help us when we’re dwelling in shame is to get in touch with our vulnerability and the uncertainty of our life and to share that part of ourselves with those whom we trust. Sounds a bit upside down, doesn’t it? As it turns out, there is
strength in vulnerability. Creativity dwells there too. Paul tells us just this very thing in 1 Corinthians
1:18-31. God turns human wisdom and discern- ment topsy-turvy and uses them in ways that are typically unexpected. The cross, a vicious tool of death, became the very seat of salvation and eter- nal life. Who saw that coming? Human wisdom always falls short of God’s wis-
dom because God doesn’t come in the ways we think God should come. God comes in the surprises. God comes in vulnerability and weakness to con- nect us to the Divine Self and to each other in ways we could never have imagined.
As we continue our journey through the time after Epiphany and toward Ash Wednesday and Lent, let us remember that when it comes to God’s revelations in our lives we are the receivers, not the doers. All we need to do is pay attention and be pre- pared to be surprised.
Author bio: Lang is an ELCA pastor who serves ecumeni- cally as a retreat facilitator and church con- sultant (www.
revwriter.com).
February 2014 23
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