Winners and Losers

Thanks to Rev. Marilyn K. Levine and Rebecca Solnit for writing the core of this Great Idea.

In her Meditations in an Emergency post of June 21, 2026, Rebecca Solnit shared Winners and Losers: A Hell of a Week in the US of A. It outlines the numerous failures – and attempts to cover them up with mirages of heroism and ‘winning’ – that have befallen the United States, our federal government, and particular leaders and public personalities – in the week of June 14-20, 2026.

The list is long and tragic for us as a nation, for our communities, and for most of us as individuals.

In a national clergy call about election protections, this dichotomy of ‘Winners and Losers’ was mentioned. Clergy reflected on how the ethos is nearly always shrouded in Christian triumphalism and supremacy. I shared Solnit’s post – and received back this parallel writing from Rev. Marilyn K. Levine, Honor and Shame. The language and length may be more accessible in some contexts.

Faith leaders might incorporate either or both of these writings in an intergenerational setting as follows:

• Play New York, New York (Frank Sinatra) as people gather.
• Read one or both:
  • Winners and Losers: A Hell of a Week in the US of A
  • Honor and Shame
•  Discuss:
  • Who defines ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in our country? In your community?
  • What does ‘winning’ look like?
  • What does ‘losing’ look like?
  • Who do we consider ‘winners’ and ‘losers’?
• Read Luke 12:13-34
• Read Luke 9:18-27
• Read Mark 10:28-31
• Discuss
  • Who does God consider ‘winners’ and ‘losers’?
  • What does Jesus teach about winning and losing?
  • How do Jesus’ followers feel about ‘winning’ and ‘losing’?
• Breathe
  • Take a few deep breaths.
  • Wonder (choose one or two):
    • When do I feel competitive?
    • What do I want to ‘win’?
    • How do I interact with people I consider a ‘loser’?
    • When do I feel like a ‘winner’? When do I feel like a ‘loser’?
    • How do I experience belovedness and belonging – as my true self?
    • How might I help others know they are beloved – as their true self?
• Engage
  • Notice where ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ are separated in your community.
  • Discuss how your congregation can reframe the narrative of ‘winner’ vs. ‘loser’.
  • Discuss how your congregation can become a more safe space for people left out of the winner’s circle.

With awareness, we can interrupt the dominant (‘winner’s!) narrative of winners vs. losers. God’s love is non-divisive and non-competitive. Let the Gospel of radical love and deep belonging ring!!!