I’ve lived through too many difficult days. Some of the worst of these days are so traumatic and generate such a tremendous impact that they are marked by the widespread ability to the answer to the question, “Where were you when you heard the news?”
Where were you when you heard the news of planes striking the towers on 9/11?
Where were you when you learned that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade?
Initial Response
I was shocked by my initial response. Looking back, I recognize that I was far more shaken than I anticipated and much more than I realized in the moment.
Since an initial draft of the majority opinion was leaked several weeks ago, I had considerable time to consider the possibility that the actual decision would be substantively similar to the draft. In fact, I did much more than consider it: I educated myself, engaged in numerous targeted conversations, participated in educational offerings, and did my best to be or at least become ready for the day.
Despite my best efforts, the news struck me at my core. It shook me. It instantly depleted my energy. It rendered me unable to go forward with my day as planned.
Initial Reaction to Other Responses
One of the first things I did after overcoming my shaken state was to pray my way back to my desk, and then to open my Twitter feed.
The first tweet I encountered that deeply resonated with me was written by Rev. Katey Zeh,, a Baptist minister, the author of the recently released book: A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement (rated 5 stars here at So What Faith earlier this month), and CEO of Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. She tweeted:
Beloved, today is not the end of abortion justice. Grieve and hold hope. We will get through this together.”
As I expanded my content consumption to Facebook, I encountered a response from Rev. Dr. Neil G. Thomas, who serves as the Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. Pastor Thomas’ note begins:
This is a catastrophic day for America. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion, sets civil rights in our nation back at least three generations. With this ruling, it is clear that the Supreme Court of the United States intends to limit human rights that Americans have counted on and puts at great risk rights of privacy for contraception, same-sex relationships, and gay marriage.
As someone who has been a part of the United Church of Christ since 2010, and a member of Cathedral since 2017, I appreciated Dr. Thomas’ ability to place this decision in its appropriate context. And, I took several deep breaths while reading and re-reading the words that concluded his note:
Our faith tells us that pessimism and hopelessness is the tool of the oppressor. As such, we must fight against all forms of prejudice, hatred, and indifference. Today, we grieve and pray. Tomorrow, we get to work. We must–and we will.
Grieving Together
In the hours since learning the news and reading the words I shared above, I’ve sought to join with others knowing that while introspection and private grief was important, alone it was inadequate. I’ve found myself doing more listening than speaking. And, I’ve found the concept of praying without ceasing to make as much sense as it ever has.
I’ve reached out to a few groups and some individuals. I’ve encouraged those who tend to be action oriented to slow down and let today be a day of grieving (a message I’ve also preached to myself a few dozen times so far today). I’ve encouraged everyone to be real and to share their grief with those they know and trust to be safe.
And, I’ve become aware of a number of special services being held this afternoon and evening to provide space for people to grieve together. including a virtual offering by the United Church of Christ – HOPE BEYOND ROE: A Service of Gathering and Lament – which was held at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
So What?
I join my voice with that of Diana Butler Bass – a highly regarded historian of American Christianity and one of the top authors of books reviewed here at So What Faith – who tweeted:
Mark these words: I’ve never felt so hopeless.
Today is a day for grief. It’s a day for naming our feelings — the real, the ugly, and the nearly unspeakable.
Today we grieve. Grieving is both important and necessary.
Grieving is important for it’s own sake, and essential preparation for the work ahead.