Χαίρω
Koine Greek meaning to rejoice, to be glad

It’s so easy to rejoice in times of celebration
and to turn smiles into boisterous laughter

But how do we rejoice in times of sadness,
exchange mourning for the oil of gladness,
the spirit of despair for a garment of praise,
and the ugly coverings of sackcloth & ashes
for a crown of beauty?

How do we do this?     By giving thanks I read.

Sing to the Lord because we are clothed
in the garments of salvation, in the hope
of glory.

Be confident that our suffering teaches us
perseverance, which builds character, and
gives us hope.

Rejoice in the Lord, for his mercy endures
forever!

So easy to say. So I ask Him again, How, Lord?

Then He whispers in the whirlwind in my heart:

Remember
the dignity-stealing homeless shelter
the braid lightning and tornado storms
the killing ice on your airplane wings
the death of your father, your mother, your sister
the wrenching depression?

        Tell me when to stop.

Then I remember Job.

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Editor’s Comment & Image Credit: The poem has allusions to Psalm 61:3, Psalm 104:33-34, Psalm 136:1, Isaiah 61:10, and Romans 5:1-4. The image is from this medical article