The Hopeful Life of the Beloved

By Dr. Peter McLallen

Someone recently asked what gives me hope in these days of pandemic and social upheaval. As I thought about this question, I realized the answer is that the creator of the universe loves me just the way I am, and there is nothing I can do to change that fact. 

I have been taught that idea and believed it intellectually most of my life. However, it was only a few years ago that I began to realize and live into the truth that I am the beloved of God. 

Henri Nouwen expresses my story well in his book “Life of the Beloved.” He writes of his own situation: 

“… though the experience of being the Beloved has never been completely absent from my life, I never claimed it as my core truth. I kept running around it in large or small circles, always looking for someone or something able to convince me of my Belovedness. It was as if I kept refusing to hear the voice that speaks from the very depth of my being and says: “You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.” That voice has always been there, but it seems I was much more eager to listen to other, louder voices saying: “Prove that you are worth something; do something relevant, spectacular, or powerful and then you will earn the love you so desire.” Meanwhile, the soft, gentle voice that speaks in the silence and solitude of my heart remained unheard or, at least, unconvincing.” 

Learning to live into this truth brings peace. Recognizing that the God of the universe is still sovereign and loves me (and you) even if I don’t understand or agree allows me to look for silver linings in difficult times. The pandemic itself has brought us suffering and pain. It has also, in many cases, highlighted and even exacerbated inequalities in society. However, it has also forced us to slow down and reexamine. 

For example, the slowing down and need to stay at home created the opportunity to observe more closely the changing of seasons and miracles of growth and renewal that happen in my own yard and neighborhood. By being more present, I see how creation is renewing itself in the seasonal patterns of life and death at a very local level. 

At WCIU, we are thankful for technologies that have allowed us to stay connected and keep working. In fact, this time of restriction has allowed us to press into what it means to be an online university and how we serve our students and each other from a distance. 

This connection reminds me that renewal and growth are happening all around the world. Our faculty and staff are creating opportunities for students to learn and grow. Our students are working with refugees, helping those in need in their community, and thinking about global macroeconomic forces shaping individual lives and large systems. Lives are being changed, and God is being glorified. 

And that brings me hope.