The following comes from “Broken and Beloved, 2019”

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord;teach me your paths.Lead me in your truth, and teach me,for you are the God of my salvation;for you I wait all day long.””

— Psalm 25: 4-5

Do you like either pizza or ice cream? Chocolate or beer? Vacation or Christmas? Pick any two items that you favor and put them into the equation: either _______or_______. It is a tough choice.

Now do it again, this time, pick two things you don't like or would rather not do. File taxes or dental surgery? Would you rather get eaten by a crocodile or by a shark?

As hard as this exercise might be, we do this sort of thing all the time. Maybe such extremes don't present themselves to us, but we are familiar enough with "either-or" scenarios. By definition, you can't have it all but must choose between options.

There are winners and losers whenever "either-or" frames the decision. In our divisive culture, we readily employ "either-or" when it comes to controversial issues and stances. Either you are with me, or you are against me.

In such a framing, there are extremes, and things are black and white. No gray. Enemies or friends. Good or evil. In such dualistic thinking, there is little middle ground or space for compromise. Gaps quickly form, and we can find ourselves on opposite sides of the proverbial street.

Separation and isolation are byproducts of "either-or" processing and thinking. But what if our culture is getting it wrong? What if instead of "either-or," life operated more "both-and?"

When Martin Luther taught about Christian life, he used the Latin word, "Simil." We are simultaneous "saint" and "sinner." Luther moves beyond "either-or" thinking and challenges us to consider that both aspects (saint AND sinner) are valid descriptors of our life. But how can such things be true?

Here is where the idea of paradox enters. Take two seemingly contradictory concepts and put them in creative tension with each other. Imagine two sides of the same coin or two poles of a continuum. For example, on the one hand, we are broken people (the sinner part of the equation). We do things that we shouldn't and don't do things that we should. On the other hand, God loves us, and by the grace of God, we are the beloved children of God.

But which is true? Are we broken or beloved? Either one or the other. The Lutheran in me wants to scream out - BOTH!!! Simultaneously both realities apply to my life. I am broken, AND yet, I am still beloved. Trying to choose between these poles, I am likely to get into trouble. If I only see myself as 'broken,' I may get discouraged and depressed. Likewise, if I only see myself as 'beloved,' I may be lured into an arrogance that ignores my 'less-than' perfect self.

Claiming both brokenness and belovedness, I am placing myself in a creative tension that provides a sense of balance. Paradoxical thinking can nurture spiritual growth. Throughout our Lenten journey, we will consider opposite poles. Each week, we will examine two different realities in dialectical tension. Although we might find that we naturally gravitate toward one of the poles, the other pole will stretch and challenge us to grow. It might get a little uncomfortable but let's agree to endure such temporary emotions for a deeper understanding of our relationship with God. With courage, let us seek to go beyond "either-or."

STEP THREE: RESPOND IN PRAYER

Loving God, life is complicated and simplistic explanations, and dualistic thinking always falls short. Grant us the courage to enter into the tension of contradictions. Stretch our thinking by pulling us into directions that are uncomfortable and unknown. Grow our spirit so that we may better understand and apply your abundance love. Through Christ, amen.