I’ve always been a supporter of so-called underdogs, people who seem always to need to prove themselves.
For instance, on December 4, 2016, the Denver Broncos played the Jackson Jaguars. Toward the end of the second quarter, Chris Harris, a cornerback for Denver, intercepted a ball and ran with it. My grandson, Ben, was impressed by Harris and told me that since Harris was not a draft choice he just had to work harder and prove himself.
We just witnessed last week, January 20, 2021, an historical moment when Kamala Harris, a woman with a mixed racial heritage, was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America. Many people are excited about this. Others will be watching to see if she can measure up to their expectations, comparing her to her male predecessors.
I remember when I was first ordained in 1984 and awaiting my first call. Granted, only 2 ½ % of all clergy were female and most of those served “under” a male pastor, did institutional ministries, or were sent to the backwoods of the Dakotas or Nevada. One September day, Ray Danielson, called me. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colorado and on their call committee—looking for a new pastor for their church. I knew him from the Swedish Heritage Club. When I answered the phone, his first comment after the pleasantries was, “I think that [Synod] President Frank Hegland is mad at us.” I asked why he thought that, and his response was, “He gave us your name for a possible pastoral candidate and you’re a woman!” It was not the first nor the last time that I was in the position of “proving myself.”
This I know. In our human, power-needy world, it often seems necessary to “prove oneself” if we want recognition, or acceptance, or even just to do something we feel God needs or wants us to do. One time we do not need to “prove ourselves” however, is in connection with God’s love and acceptance of us. That is a gift free and clear. We don’t have to work for it, earn it, or go through any special hoops to attain it. It just is our gift.
As a result of that unfathomable gift of love and grace, we respond in service and love to others. To do that, we enter into a very competitive world where humans struggle, sometimes to just survive, sometimes to “prove themselves.” Here we do God’s work and follow God’s direction knowing that God is right beside us, encouraging us. It is not easy to be a Christian no matter who we are.
Recall the words of James 5:11: “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Prayer: Here I am, Lord. Thank you for not requiring me to earn your acceptance. Thank you for using me in your service. Bless our nation and its leadership. Show me how I might serve my country in the days and weeks to come. Amen
Song: “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness” by Rusty Edwards ELW 843