Living the Dream

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. – Psalm 126:1-3 (NRSV)

I long to experience the joy that surely comes when justice has been realized. Reparations made. Restoration possible.

But it ain’t so…yet.

The gap between “them and us” continues to grow larger and deeper, each and every day. In the church and in our nation. With every policy created. Every budget voted on. Every dollar spent (or withheld).

And then I recall the haunting questions of Langston Hughes in his poem entitled, “Harlem—What happens to a dream deferred?”:

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun? …
Does it stink like rotten meat?…
Or does it explode?

Necessary questions!

But not just our dreams. I can’t help but ponder about God’s dreams. What God envisioned at creation. In my holy imagination, I wonder if Lent is an opportunity for us to make God’s dreams for creation come true.

Jesus showed us the many possibilities of living the dream “on earth as it is in heaven.” With a welcoming presence, a healing touch, words of challenge and compassion, forgiveness and the promise of new life, Jesus reminds us that we are God’s dream made flesh. Created and called to declare God’s love and power.

Prayer
Thank you, God, for being a dreamer and believing in us. Thank you for Jesus. We recommit to keeping the dream alive daily while celebrating your steadfast presence among us. Amen.

About the Author
Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/ella) is a queer womanist freedom fighter gratefully (though not always gracefully) serving as executive director of A Just Harvest, Senior Pastor at San Lucas UCC, and adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary. She is a joyful contributor to The Words of Her Mouth.