Holding Space for Hope and Fear

As ministers and justice advocates, I think we can forget about our own bodies – especially – in tense moments such as making our way to a presidential election.

In tense moments, I often need reminding that to be loving in just action, I must first be human.

I’ve witnessed clergy and community members share how they’re feeling leading up to election day. Some are anxiously awaiting post aftercare needs and others are wondering if their physical bodies will be safe. Recently, I sat with a pastor who shared how they fear for their LGBTQ+ family and trans adults in their congregation. Anti-trans and LGBTQ+ rhetoric has continued to increase in the last few weeks.

Reality is pastors get scared, too. There’s a real threat against the personhood of LGBTQ+ people. Reality is several communities are facing real threats against their personhood pending the outcome of this election.

As a queer person myself, I’m scared. Scared of how my life may change post election. Scared of physical harm or verbal harm that may come my way. Scared of the exhaustion wave that may start to peak as we respond to the needs of our communities near and far. I’ve managed to keep this fear at bay for a few. I’ve dug in and focused on showing up in shared spaces to teach, listen, offer care and resources. But, that protective fear resistance coating is starting to peel and I’m beginning to sense how scary the world could become in the year ahead.

Staying grounded may feel difficult right now and you’re not alone in that emotion. What brings me back to center is the deep belief that Love simply is Louder.

One of the toughest asks of our faith – I find – is loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. When Gender & Sexuality launched Love is Louder: Love Your Neighbor OUT LOUD it was this very piece of scripture from Luke that guided us.

The way I relate to this scripture in understanding is as follows:

To love our neighbor well, we must love ourselves. To love ourselves, we must love God who is within us as creation and around us as creator. This has translated to mirroring the love I have for who I am and who God created me to be OUT LOUD. This doesn’t always result in love returned immediately – or love I’ll see returned later for that matter. But, it does ripple outward creating a wave of love that is always louder than the hate being spewed.

I’m non-binary, scared, and yet, still so hopeful.

Scripture says, “Love never fails.” My trust in this hope rests in how I’ve witnessed the Church and our communities proclaim love this year from pride marches to climate hope to just action and care in the face of disasters – love isn’t failing; love is healing.

If you’re scared or feeling anxious leading into this election moment, there’s a place we can be together on Election Day. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson and UCC Leaders from across the nation are holding a nonpartisan election day prayer vigil, which will feature break-out room pastoral care, post-election practices and more for those gathered.

Come and be human with us Nov. 5, 4-6:30 p.m. ET, here. And, remember it’s OK to not be OK. Together we can take care of each other in the anxiousness of now and reverberate love OUT LOUD.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachael Ward (they/them) is the Minister & Team Lead for Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries.