Mary’s song (Luke 1:46b-55) is not just a little thank you note to God. This is a warrior’s song. This is about transforming fear into power. And it’s a formula we can follow. Both Mary’s story and her son offer two steps for transformation:
1.) Acknowledge and give thanks for where you are (good or bad, happy or sad). Just the act of being grateful holds transformative power. And we don’t just see the power of thanksgiving with Mary. We see it in Dr. Seuss’ Whooville in The Grinch who Stole Christmas, when the Whos learn that all their Christmas decorations, gifts and feasts have been stolen by the Grinch. When the Whos get up Christmas morning and find their houses bare, they don’t cry or get mad or bemoan their loss. They sing. They acknowledge their loss and give thanks anyway.
2.) Use where you are, wherever you find yourself. Take the fear…the anger…the joy…the pain…or whatever you are experiencing, and use it. If you are joyful, use that energy to transform the world of others who are in pain. If you are in pain, fear or anger, use that energy to make things different.
This message is excerpted from “’This was not on my list.’” by Susan Sparks in the November/December 2021 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Mary, Mother of Our Lord.
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