God, where do we go from here? - Denia Bradshaw

Lately, I have been struggling with a lot of cognitive dissonance and a deep desire to understand opposing viewpoints. Too, I have been overwhelmed with questions. Questions such as: why are we not learning from history? Only to learn of the defunding of libraries and education.

A few weeks ago, I rewatched The Hunger Games film franchise, a series of movies based on the books by Suzanne Collins. It was so timely for me as it relates to the importance of resistance against oppression and the power of unity and empathy in the face of injustice. At the end of the final film, one of the main characters writes to the protagonist of the story and says: “the war’s over. We’ll enter that sweet period when everyone agrees not to repeat the recent horrors … We’re fickle … with poor memories … Although, who knows? Maybe this time we’ll learn.” Granted, his view on humanity is quite cynical, yet there is some truth within this quote as it relates to our collective past and where our human nature can lead us. What I perceive most from this is the importance of the knowing and the understanding of history – so that we may learn from the horrors of the past and prevent its repetition in our future.

God wants us to learn from our mistakes and scripture reminds us that when we stumble, God is our safest and most trustworthy refuge. There is no need to hide in shame.

God also calls us to do what is right, pursue justice, and confront oppression.

But also, God asks us to rest.

There is so much happening in our world. Where might God be nudging you?