Iowa Bishop: 'God Will Give Us Courage'

“Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43: 1, CEB

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am praying for you, especially as we deal with the outcome of this election. I know that many are pleased with the outcome, but many also are afraid, confused, or uncertain about what lies ahead. 

I pray that you know that God is with us. And, no matter what happens, God will give us the courage to live as a people of grace. Indeed, as United Methodists, God’s grace centers us in both personal and social holiness and helps us live out God’s greatest commandments, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind…You must love your neighbor as you love yourself,” (Matthew 22: 37-39). We will be challenged in the days to come to live out that love, but I trust that God will give us the strength.

For those who are experiencing trauma and grief, I encourage you to take concrete steps to care for yourselves deeply. Move, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, get as much rest as you can. And ground yourselves in the disciplines of fasting, meditation, and prayer. I am making a commitment to pray and meditate through Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4. I invite you to pray those verses with me.

But most importantly, do not go these days alone. Surround yourselves with a community that will walk with you. Find someone with whom you can share your hopes and your fears.

Blessings and Peace,

Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai

Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.