Pondering Peace

Today in Norway, the sun returned. It has rained every day since the horrific events of Friday. I am staying at my in-law's place in rural western Norway. They have a beautiful view overlooking Seim's Fjord, with mountains out their front door and "the world's northernmost wild growing Beech forest" right next door. The view over the fjord today, as you can see in the picture, was peaceful. It almost makes you forget for a bit, the terrible terror that has shaken Norway to it's core.

It is in fact, so peaceful here, when I sit out on the patio, I can hear the sheep chewing their food up on the mountainside. No kidding. Vollom (where I am now - where Vidar, my husband grew up), is a peaceful place. It's hard to even grasp the terrible reality that one of the girls who lives just down the road was on Utøya. She jumped into the water and swam for her life and was rescued by a boat 40 minutes later. Only after witnessing some of her closest friends shot and killed. No, such a nightmare is hard to imagine in such a place as this. Where the days are filled with boat trips out on the fjord to catch supper, picking berries from the garden, hikes in the mountains, conversations with family neighbors, sipping coffee with friends, gazing at the magnificent beauty filling this fairytale land...

That fairytale image was shattered on Friday. At least temporarly.....

Yesterday I took a trip in to Bergen and visited the ever-growing memorial to those affected by the bombing and shooting. It was powerful to see all the candles and flowers and messages. The memorial was surrounded by both Norwegians and tourists - all in silence - reflecting on all that has taken place. It was encouraging to see that life is still going on; as locals were back at work, tourists were chattering at the fish market and enjoying the quaintness of Bryggen (the harbor), and the stubborn clouds were still hanging over Bergen like usual.

The night before, 50,000 people gathered in Bergen to join in the torch-light procession. 250,000 in Oslo. It is estimated that over 2 million Norwegians gathered in their respective cities and towns to process together - peacefully. Amazing, for a country of 4.5 million.

What has made a huge impact on me, is that in the aftermath of the bombing and the massacre, there has been no violent outrage, no diplays of hate, no talks of revenge, no voiced hatred or bitterness. Only peace. Only an outpouring of support. Only people gathering together in sorrow while determined to rise from this stronger than ever.

Yet, I would not expect anything different. These are a peaceful people and they are a determined, wise, and strong people. They are a proud people who will not let one of their own destroy what they have fought for and built here, in this beautiful little country nestled among the sea and the fjords and the mountains. They will not back down from their openness and their ability to see all people as deserving and equal. They will not let hatred get the best of them. With love and strength, standing strong, the Norwegian people are moving forward and holding fast to what they believe. I am humbled and moved to tears. What an example they are to the rest of the world. Oh, that we could all learn from these peaceful people.....

Light in the Darkness

I sit in Norway - filled with shock, grief, sorrow, anger, betrayal, disbelief......surrounded by the overwhelming reality of what has taken place in this peaceful country - to a peaceful people. A man, a Norwegian, after bombing the government quarters in the nation's capital, set out to Utøye - an island where 700 of Norway's youth were attending a summer camp. These bright and hopeful youth were met by a man dressed as a police officer, who opened fire and continued the nightmare by hunting down these youth for 90 minutes, trapped on an island.  Some tried to swim ashore, others pretended to be dead and hid among the bodies of their friends, others hid under rocks or climbed trees. 86 were shot and killed. 5 are still missing. 7, so far, lost their lives in the bombing. An unthinkable tragedy. 

The Norwegian people are in shock and disbelief and the whole country is mourning. The events that took place on Friday in this peaceful country are horrific and it is still hard to believe what has happened. You can almost hear the pain and sorrow of the people as the rain falls on these dark and dreary days...we all have heavy hearts.

This morning I attended worship at Alversund Church together with many of the Romarheim family. A powerful experience. As I entered the church with a heavy heart, I was met by the open arms of Jesus. The beautiful altar painting spoke words of grace and hope: "Jeg er opstandelsen og livet" (I am the resurrection and the life) John 11:25. The picture of Jesus above those powerful words, was the resurrected Christ down on one knee looking heavenward with arms wide open. The church, as most churches in Norway, was filled with light. Candles on the altar and many large light fixtures with candles - almost blinding to look at. A stark contrast to the darkness that has descended on this land. A reminder that light still shines in the darkness and the resurrected Christ has the final word. 

In the opening hymn, we all raised our voices and sang "Bli Hos Oss Herre" (Stay with us, Lord), as I was made strongly aware that He was indeed with us. The minor melodies of the hymns we sang were fitting. The air was heavy, yet it was comforting to be together as a community of faith in the presence of our gracious God. It was almost as if I could feel the breath of the Spirit come and breathe life into that place, through God's Word, through the community gathered, through the breaking of the bread and sharing of the wine, through the shared cries of a people confused and filled with sorrow. In the front pew sat the mother of a boy who was on the island, yet returned home safely yesterday.

On the side wall of the church, I noticed a crucifix. The crucifix was crooked - whether intentional or not - I do not know - yet it seemed fitting given the horror that has taken place. For some reason, that image really spoke to me. 

The service ended with the healing, hope-filled words of "Bred Dina Vida Vingar" (Thy Holy Wings), sung in Swedish. "Thy holy wings, O Savior, spread gently over me, and let me rest securely, through good and ill in thee."  

After the benediction, there was a time of silence for people to come forward and light a candle in the "lysglobe" - sending prayers and being concretely reminded of the light of Christ still present.

I left worship fed, strengthened, renewed, and reminded powerfully of God's grace, forgiveness and love. A light in the darkness. Praise be to God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The resurrection and the life.