Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz shares God’s call for us to be peacemakers in the midst of uncertainty, division and a heated election.
Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz is Mennonite Church USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice. For more than 25 years, she served as the coordinator of Mennonite Central Committee’s Restorative Justice program. She also co-authored “The Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools” and “What Will Happen to Me?” Lorraine graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and earned a master’s in Social Work from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania. She and her husband attend Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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During this time of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise. There are campaign ads, text messages asking who we’re voting for, debates — or not —- and passionate opinions. All of this can stir up anxiety, uncertainty and division. In moments like these, as followers of Jesus, we are invited to take a step back and remember that our hope is not anchored in political outcomes but in the unshakable promises of God.
Rather than becoming paralyzed by the cacophony around us, let us focus on ways we can continue to be instruments of peace in a divided world, living with hope that transcends circumstances.
Let us remember that God’s word cannot be undone by any leader or policy. We are called to remember the words of Proverbs 3, which call us to trust in God with all our heart and listen for God’s voice in all that we do, to keep us on track.
We are called to be peacemakers, especially during times such as these. Part of that call means praying for wisdom, peace and justice — not just for those we plan to vote for — but for all involved, in order to transform our hearts in a way that only God can do.
Peacemakers are also called to action. While we know political differences exist among our families and friends, we are called to listen with an openness that assumes the best in others and to speak our truth in love, as Ephesians call us to do. That action also means speaking truth to power, acknowledging the structural disparities within our systems that hurt those who are most vulnerable and that benefit those with privilege.
We long for peace in our communities and our world but know that it begins in our own hearts. Jesus offers us a peace to sustains us, even in turbulent times. This is an opportunity to be a beacon of hope to others.
Let us continue to remind one another that during this election season all are God’s children, created with dignity and worthy of respect. May we choose our words with kindness and compassion, seeking to tear down walls and build bridges. May the peace of God, which surpasses all our own understanding, guard our hearts and our minds, keeping us centered in love, through every challenge ahead.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog belong to the author and are not intended to represent the views of the MC USA Executive Board or staff.
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