Deep Breaths What makes YOU come alive? The world feels heavy right now — marked by deep unrest and interconnected chaos. Systems and institutions are unraveling, reminding us that human-made borders can’t shield us from collective suffering. Yet, there is hope in seeing people wake up, take action, and find strength in one another. Still, with so much happening, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. More choices can mean more pressure, and sometimes that leads to paralysis. When I find myself there, I return to the words of Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.” It’s a reminder to focus on my part to play — not everything. Because doing what makes me come alive is also how I stay aligned with the One who breathed life into me in the first place. Our passions — especially those born out of grief, love, and longing for justice — are not random. They are holy clues, pointing us toward the work God is calling us to. The divine doesn’t ask us to carry the whole world, just to carry our piece of it faithfully, to discern the part that is ours to hold, and to trust that others are doing the same. So I invite you: Pause and listen to your soul. What issues ignite your spirit? What injustices awaken the divine fire within you? Choose one or two, and commit to meaningful action — not just as a task, but as a spiritual practice. Then, rest. Use rest as a holy rhythm and as a declaration that you are not God, and you don’t have to be. We can’t do it all — but we can do what we’re called to do. As Rev. Katie Geneva Cannon said, “Do the work your soul must have.” This week, make that commitment. Show up. Speak out. Rest. Rinse and repeat. Let your soul come alive — because that, too, is worship. Please pray with me. God who is both near and far; we sense that your heart is broken. The world you created through nommo — the generative and life-giving word, is overcome with chaos. Violence, fear, pain, sickness, poverty, racism, and hatred are being used to create hegemonic structures to divide and separate communities. Our eyes and ears are overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of our days. Yet, in the middle of all of the turmoil, when we stop and remember that YOU are in this with us, we gain assurance, remembering all that you have done up until this moment. You are the God of Word and Deed and the God of healing and peace. You are justice and love rolled into one. So God, help us discern what we are called to do in this moment, for our hearts are broken just like yours. Guide our feet while we run this race, for we don’t want to run this race in vain. In the powerful and justice-invoking name of Jesus, we pray, Amen and Ashé. ––Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners | 
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