“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14

Breathe In, Breathe Out

“Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat.”

These simple instructions were spoken by the worship leader at our church this weekend. The moment of stillness was used as an opportunity for us to attempt to catch our breath in a week where darkness has tried to prevail. It has been impossible to make sense of all of the loss or to find words for the emotions that accompany such horrible destruction. The long list of names of people who have lost their lives in Vegas is accompanied by their photographs and half-told stories while countless grieving families and friends grapple with their deaths.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Within the Jewish tradition, I am told that the word Yahweh (meaning God) comes from the sound of breath. Every time we breathe in, “Yah-“. Each time we breathe out, “-weh.” The name of God, whether recognized or not, is whispered with each breath we take. In these days where the world’s brokenness is abundantly clear, we need to be still and breathe—calling out to the God who is present and loving and good.

“Our God, we call upon Your great Name with every breath. Be glorified. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”