This week’s Reflections was written by the Rev. Jen Osterloh of First United Methodist Church in Brookings.

At Brookings First United Methodist Church, we’ve been spending time throughout the season of Lent “Embracing the Uncertain” — our theme for the weeks leading up to Easter. Together we’re learning and studying a book by the same title as we dive into our faith by broaching difficult topics of uncertainty in our lives and faith from doubt, to forgiveness, to worry, and more.

Some of these topics have been (and will be) particularly difficult as we talk about our mortality and our need to surrender in coming weeks. Yet I’ve always been one who believes church should be a place we talk about hard things — after all, if we can’t talk about hard things at church, where can we? There are too few safe places in our world where we can talk about and lean into the difficult parts or our lives, but it is essential we don’t have to go through anything alone. And the truth is: no matter what you’re going through, someone else, somewhere is going through something similar.

In my experience (both as an individual and as a pastor), our most difficult experiences are much easier when we get to share in them together. Especially when we don’t have to pretend we’re okay, or that it’s easy. God doesn’t promise us the journey will be easy: but God does assure us we don’t have to be alone when we go through it.

So whatever you’re going through in life, may you know these great truths: that you are not alone, and no matter what you’re concerned about or what doubts or questions you may have… God is bigger than any of those things.

As we continue in this season of reflection that is Lent, awaiting the light and joy and new life that come with Easter (April 20 this year), may you know that your day of celebration is coming too… but until we get there, it’s okay to lean into the hard things. Allow yourself to fear, to doubt, to question, and to wonder. As you do so, may you remember that you are not (and do not ever need to be) alone. For God is with you: and there are faith communities right here in Brookings who would be honored to walk alongside you in this season, too.