Many of us felt called to deep conversations about equity and inequity in 2021. It seems fitting that we begin the New Year with the celebration of Epiphany—and yes, Epiphany was on January 6, the first anniversary of the 2021 insurrection in the United States. Grace doesn’t shy away from the big questions.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives sacred and secular definitions of epiphany: “1: a Christian festival held on January 6 in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ; 2: a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way.”
One of my favorite quotes is from Louis Pasteur, who said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Let your heart lovingly prepare your mind, and the possibility of experiencing a life-affirming epiphany is greatly increased, be it sacred or secular.
One way to invite epiphany is to listen to people’s stories with loving curiosity. As different as our experiences may be, I love to listen for the needs we have in common. To be seen. To be heard, even when we are angry, hurt or fearful. To feel safe, trusted, and respected. To love and be loved. To belong.
When we listen to each other’s stories with an open heart, the road of empathy rises to meet us. The more diverse the stories we hold, the greater the gift of epiphany. I listened to a man of color speak recently on the PBS evening news. He is a Capital police officer who was injured during the insurrection. I heard him say, “Yes, I’m angry, but it’s what I do with my anger that matters. I have to do what is best for all Americans.” I wanted to give him a big hug and thank him for his courageous heart. I needed his encouragement in that moment.
To paraphrase Frederick Buechner, Grace is where our greatest gifts meet the world’s deepest needs. We need to discover our greatest gifts and offer them to each other. I need your gifts at least as much as you need mine. We need each other in all our diversity to create a more perfect union.
May we have an epiphany in our empathy and stand peacefully and fiercely for equity.