“Yes, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ There is something in the universe which justifies William Cullen Bryant in saying, ‘Truth crushed to earth will rise again.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Here at Loom, we spend a lot of time saying things like, “Together, change is possible.” We are audaciously committed to hope, because we have learned something about darkness: lean in close enough, and you will find green shoots of life taking root, unannounced.
Commitment to hope is the opposite of denial. It is the choice to embrace the wholeness of truth. It is a tender, open-armed welcome to the full reality of pain and goodness co-existing in every corner of our city, our community, and our world. We risk our hearts again and again on hope, choosing to believe that small beginnings and humble growth are worth just as much of our attention as widespread pain.
At the beginning of Advent, we light a flame within the darkness. We choose to believe that a greater light is coming; we celebrate the light we have been given, here and now.
And there is light. We have seen this light in the faces of mothers who are given a new opportunity to provide for their children; in the faces of grandmothers whose faithful persistence brought the first school to their village, in the faces of fathers whose passion for business has infused their community with new life. In each of them, we understand the true face of hope. We choose to believe that the arc of our worlds can be bent towards justice.
As we look back in gratefulness for all this year has brought, we encourage you to spend time paying attention to the seeds of growth that have taken root in your own life and community this year. Lean close into the darkness and pay attention to all that is taking root.
Dare to risk your heart in audacious hope.
Change is rising and lifting us all higher, together.
