Anxiety

Gathering: Now, as we gather, let’s pause to center ourselves, give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives, and to be both present and mindful as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: “It does not seem normal, this surge of animal fear I feel buzzing around my ears as I push a cart down the beverage aisle of my grocery store. I spot a couple with a young child approaching me. They aren’t wearing masks, and the little girl is weaving about, arm outstretched. I freeze, then whip the buggy around and retreat, searching for open space”. (Emily Heil, Washington Post 4/28)

It is hard to believe that something so small (1000 of this virus equals the diameter of a human hair) could bring about a worldwide collapse of economic and social activities. It is beyond reason to believe that this tiny strand of protein encapsulated RNA could elevate anxiety levels across nations to the point where a simple act like going shopping could raise our biological survival responses. Yet, here we are

Tonight we meet at a socially acceptable distance to discuss our anxiety.

Sentences on the Subject: “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems”― Epictetus

“I entrust my affairs unto God. Truly, Allah is aware of His servants” (Quran 40:44)

“In an era of stress and anxiety, when the present seems unstable and the future unlikely, the natural response is to retreat and withdraw from reality, taking recourse either in fantasies of the future or in modified visions of a half-imagined past.”― Alan Moore, Watchmen

“Now imagine what happened when people would offer a sacrifice but then it didn’t rain or the sun didn’t shine or their animals still got diseases or they were unable to have children—obviously, they concluded, they didn’t offer enough. And so they offered more. And more and more. Because religion had built into it from the very beginning something called anxiety. You never knew where you stood with the gods. The gods are angry, the gods are demanding, and if you don’t please them, they will punish you by bringing calamity. But what if things went well? What if it rained just the right amount and the sun shone just the right amount—what if it appeared that the gods were pleased with you? Well then, you’d need to offer them thanks. But how would you ever know if you’d properly showed them how grateful you were? How would you know you’d offered ENOUGH? If things went well, you never knew if you’d been grateful enough and offered enough, and if things didn’t go well clearly you hadn’t done . . . enough. Anxiety either way.”― Rob Bell,What Is the Bible

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” St. Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. So, how what have you been doing during these days of “social distancing” ? Have you done those “if I ever had the time, I would…..” things? Taken up new hobbies or habits?

Probe 2. About what are you most anxious? How have you been dealing with it?

Probe 3. What “pleasant surprises” have you encountered that were created or accelerated by the pandemic?

Probe 4. How would you respond to someone who said “God caused this pandemic because………..?”

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.