Where we stand: stories of liberation

Exodus 14:19–31 

a confession 

Oh, Holy One,

we understand the need for stories

of vanquished enemies,

of victory for 'us' and defeat for 'them'; 

the need to name the feeling 

that we have escaped, 

to feel certain those who chase

can no longer pursue – 

we need to know that we are free. 

We understand the need for stories

that shout our anger,

release our fear,

inflict our desire for vengeance,

enact our hope for justice – 

but, Holy One, we also know 

that these stories paint you 

into a box of vengeance,

wrath, violence, 

and we are content to leave

you there so we may follow

our anger through to action

and feel justified, verified,

holier than we may actually be. 

So, Holy One, we are sorry

we keep you wrapped in anger,

and we are sorry for looking 

back angry ourselves without

seeking a path to peace. 

Holy One, as we tell the stories

passed on to us through time,

help us find you in the stories,

truly, fully, Holy One of liberation, 

of promise, of presence, with the oppressed; 

and help us to see 

clearly where we stand today,

which may be on the other side

of the parted, enclosing waters.