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WAITING We have but one tree in our yard; it’s a sprawling tree and it grows right outside my bedroom window. In the quiet of early morning, I love to lie in bed, doing nothing more, but watch that tree. In the warmer months, its leafy, green branches sway gently in the breeze,  while birds flit from branch to branch,
singing their songs. There’s something reassuring in this generally unnoticed
activity. Their very presence brings life to the morning. Their music rejoices
in the glory of God’s creation, and the dawning of a new day.
Today, the tree is barren. Winter has its hold on the landscape, and it’s holding that tree, my tree, in its icy grip. At times, it feels as though the very cold is seeping into my bones, and the deepest part of my soul. When will spring be here? When will I once again be able to feel the warmth of the sun on my face? As any New Yorker knows, I have a great deal more time to wait, but today, I’m waiting for something else. I gaze intently at those snow-covered branches, patient and yet somehow breathless in my anticipation. He will come, I tell myself. Be still, be quiet, be patient; he will come. I know he will come because I am full of hope. Shhh…easy…ahhh, yes, there he is: the red cardinal. He performs a merry dance for me, hopping from branch to branch. His beautiful red feathers are like a beacon against the whiteness of the world outside.
Sometimes I’m not rewarded by his visit. Sometimes I’m not so patient. Yet, I continue to wait because he IS hope. Hope for new life to begin, branches to bud, flowers to bloom, and glorious sunshine—a sunshine to bask in.
Our Janie Spahr is like that red cardinal. She is my hope for a new tomorrow, a tomorrow when the Presbyterian Church will say, YOU have value; you are worthy of love and warmth; we welcome you, unconditionally.
The courts will soon have a say in your future, but they will not decide your future. If you win your case, there will be great rejoicing, singing, and dancing. It will be a momentous first step, but yet, just one step. There will still be much work to be done, in warming the hearts of others and healing perceived injuries. If you lose, there will be great sorrow and mourning. However, you are not gone. The tree is not barren forever. It will come to life again. Someday, somewhere you will do a merry dance, hopping from tree to tree, singing your song, and blinding those around you with the majestic beauty of your red feathers. We may not know when, but it will happen. So, I wait, holding my breath in hope, that I will see you dance. I am patient because I have faith in God. My patience will be rewarded, and those who are living in injustice will dance…someday…in God’s time.
A defense fund has been established to defray
the legal costs necessary to defend the Rev. Spahr through trial. Anyone
wishing to contribute to the defense is invited to send checks payable
to: |
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