Big Tuesday

Big Tuesday has always been a reference for when candidates are trying to become their Party’s candidate for President of the United States. In the last year Big Tuesday showed us what we already thought we knew. We were going to have our first woman President.

How stunned we were when this did not happen. Now, how much time have we spent talking about what is wrong with our president and the administration. While we have hope that things will be better and we are doing what we can, many of us are saying “..how long oh Lord?” We are embarrassed for the Country. We are angry at what is happening to “the least of these…”, and we worry for our own safety in the world.

Then, this Tuesday, I was praying with Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring Good News to the poor…I have been sent to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…” I was praying while riding BART to Oakland to attend the swearing in ceremony for my brother-in-law to become a citizen of this Country.

After climbing what seemed like 1,000 stairs in the Paramount Theater we were seated and listened to a small Capella group sing patriotic songs. I sat there thinking that this was cute, but what kind of ceremony would this be if this was the tone being set. Then, a tall slim man came on stage and explained to the packed house exactly how the ceremony for the 1200+ men and women from 90+ countries would proceed. That is when my BIG TUESDAY began.

As they called out each Country, cheers went up around the theater.  People were so excited and proud that friends and relatives of their countries were recognized, never mind those waiting to be sworn in.  I was caught up in the pride. I remembered what we have as citizens of this great Democracy. There was that reminder that “I have been called to liberate the captives, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, give the oil of gladness instead of mourning” IS 61: 1-3

The Lord has anointed us to bring the “Good News” to the poor. It doesn’t say just the poor in finances, but the poor in Spirit, the poor in mourning, to all of the poor, including ourselves. Wow, I had my BIG TUESDAY!

What will your BIG day be? How will you be called? What reminder will you receive? What will you ask of the Lord? What are you waiting for?  God is waiting to hear from you. Abundant Blessings as you travel your journey in companionship with the Divine!   -Chris L.