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To lament is to passionately express sorrow or grief, giving voice to feelings that might otherwise stay quietly inside. The Bible provides many examples of people crying out to God in times of distress in the Psalms, Jeremiah, and Lamentations. These laments express confusion and fear of abandonment in times of trouble. Yet, when we lift up our sorrow to the One who gives us healing and wholeness, we find renewal and purpose.
Rachel’s Day an example of this transformation. Women of the ELCA designate the first Sunday in May as Rachel’s Day to mourn the loss of children who have died from gun violence. It takes its name from Jeremiah 31:15–17, in which Rachel grieves the loss of her children. The scripture says that Rachel refuses to be consoled, but the Lord promises hope and restoration. The Rachel’s Day litany begins with a lament for the loss of young lives, then turns to a cry for justice.
We do not lament for lament’s sake but to heal so that we can move into action. This process gives us the compassion and determination needed to alleviate the suffering of others through prayer, volunteering, and advocacy.
This message is excerpted from “Find purpose in lament by transforming your passion into action” by Laura Brix Newbury from the April 19, 2021, blog of the Women of the ELCA.