tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67915720342214054962024-03-20T18:40:43.346-04:00The Divine PassiveIn Greek, the divine passive occurs when an action is done by an unmentioned force, and when this is thus assumed to be God. It always reminds me of how God is at work in our lives at all times, even when we may not realize at first.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-36653863754395493002019-04-18T10:25:00.001-04:002019-04-18T10:25:25.164-04:00On Burned Churches, the Importance of Buildings, and the Greater Importance of Showing Up<br />
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Several years ago a United Methodist church in my mother’s
Baltimore neighborhood closed. As a United Methodist pastor, this was of some
interest to me, though at the time not enough to register many of the details.
What I do recall was that in the months afterwards, as different ideas for the
use of their vacant building were tossed around in the community, there was a
ground-swell of effort to try to save the building, using it for what I can’t
recall. The effort seemed to be to preserve the unique architecture of the
building. Though preserving churches interests me, can I be honest? Preserving
church buildings does not. Not after they have ceased to serve their purpose as
a gathering place for a faith community and a mission center in the community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am a pragmatist in that way, I suppose. As long as church
buildings are serving their designed purpose, I think we would do well to
maintain them. This has been a challenge for many congregations, but it is a
worthy one because our buildings not only glorify God, but they enable us to
worship, draw close to the sacred, fellowship, serve, and reach out to the
community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This week as we watched Notre Dame in Paris burn, and then
saw the outpouring of financial commitments for its rebuilding by many of the
wealthiest people in France, I was reminded of that Baltimore church. I was
also reminded, as many did well to make sure we all were, that Notre Dame wasn’t
the only sacred building devastated by flames that week: three African-American
churches in Louisiana were burned by a man motivated, it seems, by the dark
cloud of racism that continues to hang over our nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the wake of the Notre Dame fire, many were motivated to
donate to help rebuild these churches as well. Pragmatist that I am, I found
this reassuring—people seemed to rightly see the importance of restoring places
of worship, wherever they were. I suspect that in the case of Notre Dame, some
of those donors were motivated not by a desire to preserve a house of worship,
but rather, like some in that Baltimore neighborhood, a desire to preserve the architecture,
the cultural importance of the place. Perhaps the same might be true of some
donating to rebuild other churches (whether in Louisiana or elsewhere) as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Art and architecture are important, and I am grateful there
are those who passions seek to support and preserve both. I think such a drive
is an important contribution to society and history—and, well, also the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, however, I can’t help but ponder <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> the Notre Dame fire really struck a
chord with so many, and if they are willing to see their concern and interest
through on a broader scale.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Notre Dame was built to glorify God. I have visited and
served in churches which reflected great investment of time and money in their
design, construction and decoration than some of the stark, simple houses of
worship which dot the American landscape. I also understand and stand in the
line of some of those Christians who pushed back against what they felt was the
waste of worship spaces dripping in wealth. Still, I know the connection with
the sacred that such grand places can create. If there is one need we have
today, perhaps a greater connection and openness to the sacred is it. Sometimes
it is towering arches, ornate stained-glass windows and inlaid floors which
conjure not only a glimpse of the glory of God, but also the passion and
commitment of the artisans to use their talents to bring glory to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then sometimes all of these things can become an end
unto themselves. Sometimes, whether we worship in ornate spaces or simple
structures, the buildings can become an end unto themselves. There are far too
many United Methodist congregations, for example, crushed under the weight of
buildings whose deferred maintenance, rising costs and unwieldy upkeep hamstring
efforts to grow—in number, depth of discipleship, and outreach to the
community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our buildings serve our mission. For United Methodists, that
mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world. For Christians more broadly, Jesus’ Great Commission directs us to, “Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 18:19-20)<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you feel drawn to support the rebuilding efforts at Notre
Dame, I hope it is so that the leaders there can further this mission of making
disciples. If you feel drawn to join the many who have already donated, and support
the rebuilding of the burned churches in Louisiana, I commend you for your
support of the making of disciples in those places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And if you want to go further, if your sorrow over these
burned churches has stirred in you some sense of the sacred and a desire to
support the work of making disciples and transforming the world, I invite you
to consider visiting a local congregation for worship—to connect with the
sacred and find opportunities to take that experience out into the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This evening begins the Triduum, the great three days of the
Christian church. In these days, we commemorate the final hours of Jesus’ life,
mourn his brutal death by crucifixion, then Easter Sunday, join in celebrating
his resurrection. Churches across the country and around the world will be
gathering—under grand arches, in the shadow of stained glass, or in simple
rooms—to remember Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, sit in grief and
brokenness in the face of his death, and on Easter Sunday, you might even see
some gathered in cemeteries, like Christians before them, to claim and proclaim
their confidence that because of God’s power in Jesus Christ, death, even the
most brutal of deaths, is not the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What the Church needs from you more than anything is for you to show up. To
turn your sadness at the destruction of buildings into a willingness to take
the intimidating step (and boy, do I know showing up at a church for the first
time can be intimidating) of entering into community. If you are connected to a
local congregation already, I invite you to not passively move into Easter, but
to show up—both at your own church and maybe at other churches if your church
doesn’t offer services each day of the Triduum.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our buildings have never been meant to be an end unto
themselves. Whatever grand architecture, beautiful art or creative design they
may have, our church buildings have always been intended to provide a place for
people to experience the sacred as they enter into God’s presence, and to
connect with others as we all, with differing degrees of faith (or none at all)
and at difference places on our journeys, come together. This world, our lives,
can feel small, broken and discouraging. Our God invites us into redeemed and
reconciled relationship with God and with each other—our buildings provide
spaces for that community to happen. But that community, that mission, only
happens when you show up. Join us.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-77199057633278987912019-03-18T13:49:00.003-04:002019-03-18T13:49:31.056-04:00Oh, the Places You'll Go!<br />
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A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to our girls’ school to
read to Anna’s class for Read Across America. I well remember my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i> Read Across America Day—it was
during my first appointment, in Jefferson, Maryland, and I was excited for the
opportunity to get to connect with the community! I didn’t know that many
readers bring their own books, so I just grabbed a promising one off the cart
they had there in the cafeteria for readers to pick up. The book I chose? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Three Billy Goats Gruff</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you know that story, and let me tell you, the version I picked up
was not an edited or toned down version, you can imagine my horror as I read
through it to an elementary school class!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, Anna’s teacher had specifically asked parents to read one of
their favorite Dr. Seuss books to the class (Read Across America takes place on
March 2 each year, the birthday of Dr. Seuss). My choice was easy: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, the Places You’ll Go!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Many of my friends received this book as a graduation present at some
point. There’s even one account, floating around the internet, of parents who
had each of their daughter’s teachers sign a copy of the book throughout her schooling,
then give it to her for her high school graduation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I received my copy, however, the summer between third and fourth grade.
I was a camper at Manidokan (one of our United Methodist camps, a place I
attended camp only once but would later live at for almost nine years!). That
summer my parent’s marriage was beginning (it seemed to me at least) the
deterioration which would ultimately, though slowly, lead to the unravelling of
our family. I had at least looked forward to a week at camp with my friend
Paige, only to discover we weren’t even staying in the same cabin! It didn’t
take like before I was homesick and DONE. Just DONE.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I’ve been blessed to volunteer as a camp counselor, I’ve had
homesick, whiny campers. They can wear you down as a counselor, resisting all
your best efforts to console and comfort them. So I can only imagine how much I
wore on my counselors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t remember that though. What I remember was the counselor who
gifted me a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh the Places You’ll
Go!</i>. I suspect she’d brought the copy as part of her bag of tricks to keep
her campers happy and busy. Instead, she sat with me one day, patiently
listening to me and reminding me how much she loved me, and even more so, how
much God loved me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inside the book she gifted me, she wrote an inscription that included
the reminder that God is love. Indeed, each time I read, or really, even just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> the book, I am reminded of God’s
love—because of her love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I read the book to Anna’s class, I reminded them what Chris and I
often tell the girls when we watch Disney movies: Just remember, the scary
parts are never the end. The story never ends in the worst part.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The book, if you aren’t familiar, not only encourages readers with
promises of success and wide open spaces, but it also notes the ways life
sometimes isn’t all boom bands and high flying. After celebratory lines about
how, “Wherever you go, you will top all the rest,” it reads, “Except when you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i>. Because sometimes you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">won’t</i>. I’m sorry to say so but sadly,
it’s true, that Bang-ups and Hang-ups<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> can</i>
happen to you. You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang
will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch…And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not
in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This isn’t just a book for children, is it?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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A boy in Anna’s class taught me something I hadn’t know about this
book: it was the last book Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) published in his
lifetime. Indeed, with its honest look at the challenges in life, situated
squarely within the assurance that even these difficult times are passing (as
is also the case with one of my favorite sections, about The Waiting Place).<o:p></o:p></div>
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We would all like to hear bands playing songs of celebration for us,
and people celebrating us—even if only for our faithfulness to God. It is no
fun, and certainly not desirable, to be stuck in the waiting place or left in a
lurch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, as Dr. Seuss reminds us, “But on you will go though the weather be
foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl…On and on you will hike. And I
know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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For we who are people of faith, our confidence and resilience in times
of difficulty comes not from our own fortitude alone (or even primarily) but
rather from a confidence that God sits with us in times of waiting. God hangs
with us when we’re up in a lurch. And God guides us down long, windy streets.
May we gives thanks and trust in our God, who allows us to move mountains
(Matthew 17:20), and who is ever able to “make a way in the wilderness and
rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-47944643306692750282019-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T12:00:08.381-05:00A Letter to Calvary UMC Following the UMC's Special Session<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Dear
Sisters and Brothers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
am back in my office today after what has been a long, challenging and
difficult week for me and many as the United Methodist Church’s General
Conference met for a Special Session in St. Louis. My husband Chris and I are
both reserve delegates for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, and so we were
in attendance there throughout the session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">First,
I want to invite you to our follow-up session to be held at Calvary immediately
following worship this Sunday (March 3). During this time, I will give a more
detailed summary of the happenings and outcomes of the Special Session and you
will be able to ask questions. I know many of you took part in our
informational sessions prior to the conference, so I trust you have a handle on
the context of this session. In addition, throughout the conference, I posted
video updates on my Facebook page—those videos remain available there for your
viewing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
also encourage you to consider taking part in a conference-wide follow up
session this Saturday (March 2, 9:00 a.m.-Noon) which will be hosted by our
bishop, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. The session will be held at the conference
office but also live-streamed to other sites. The closest sites for us will be St.
Paul UMC in Oxon Hill and First Saints Community in Leonardtown. I will be present
at the conference office for the meeting but I encourage you to attend whatever
site is most convenient for you, if you are interested. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Second,
I wanted to briefly share the results of the Special Session. The Traditional
Plan as well as a low-bar exit plan was approved by a slight majority of the
delegates. Though the overwhelming majority of United Methodists in the United
States did not support those pieces of legislation, the complexity of being a
global church led to an outcome which does not reflect the experiences and
views of United Methodists in our area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Conservatives,
moderates and progressives had sought to keep the church unified in spite of
differences in our understanding of scripture on the question of our ministry
with LGBTQ persons. Indeed, this effort to be defined by unity reflects the
reality of the church in the United States, the Baltimore-Washington
Conference, and our own congregation. For decades around the issue of human
sexuality, and for much longer on other issues, we have been able to
successfully and fruitfully work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for
the transformation of the world. We will continue to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Traditional Plan and exit plan as passed are largely unconstitutional. While we
will likely be waiting a couple months for full clarity from the UMC’s Judicial
Council, it is fair to say we probably spent this time and money to be,
legislatively, about where we were before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This
legislative reality of being where we started belies the deep pain which has
been caused anew within local churches like our own as well as the broader
church. LGBTQ persons and their loved ones are present in all UM churches,
including our own. I am humbled by the grace and witness of LGBTQ persons who
actively worked to support the One Church Plan—a plan which would allow space in
the UMC but not full protection or welcome for them in all UM congregations. I
am deeply disappointed that some with traditional readings of the Bible on this
matter could not equally affirm our unity in difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the past couple of days, the United Methodist Church has been in the national
spotlight due to the General Conference’s votes. These stories, while
reflecting the work and decisions of the Special Session, do not reflect the
entirety of who we are as United Methodists, nor do they define the ministry
and work of our own congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">However,
these recent stories now sadly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">define</i>
our denomination by who we exclude from full participation in the life of the
church. I know all of us, no matter our views on human sexuality, do not desire
to be thus defined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the many conversations you and I had (both in group settings and one-on-one) prior
to this Special Session, no matter how you read the Bible on the question of
homosexuality, you consistently affirmed your love for LGBTQ persons and your
belief that no matter what, all people are welcome as part of our worshipping
community. Our denomination’s recent actions convey a very different sense to
LGBTQ persons and their loved ones. Therefore, if we are to live into the love
and welcome we profess, we must be even more vigilant to consider how our
words, actions and welcome are received and perceived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
join you in being open to be challenged to live out the love and welcome which
I claim that I and the church offer to all persons, and in specific, to our
LGBTQ siblings. I know you join me in this earnest wrestling, and the
willingness to admit there is more for us to do. It is never enough to profess
love; love must always be manifest in action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Therefore,
I invite you to ponder these questions as we move forward together as a
congregation: In what ways have your words and actions conveyed welcome to
LGBTQ persons in the life of our church? In what ways have your words and
actions failed to convey welcome to LGBTQ persons? What might God be calling
you or our congregation to do differently to manifest our professed love and
care for LGBTQ persons?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Though
our General Conference may not have found a clear way forward together, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i></b>
are able to chart a path forward together as a congregation. I am grateful for
the gifts, talents and witness of each of you. Though we have been in ministry
together for less than a year, I have already seen the fruits of our shared
ministry as we have expanded our feeding ministry in partnership with Our Place
Waldorf, worked to address facility maintenance issues to assure the continued
viability of our buildings, and met our goal of once again meeting our missional
giving goal through our apportionments. I am confident that as we continue to
do the hard work of life together as a church family, God will continue to guide
and bless us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
do hope you will join us this Sunday after worship so that we can reflect and
process the Special Session more fully. Please also know that I am available
for any one-on-one or small group conversations you would like to have about
this or any other issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May
God so fill our lives and shared ministry that all people can find a place at
Calvary to be drawn into God’s love, redemption, salvation and new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Grace
and Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rev.
Sarah Andrews Schlieckert</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-10492833616964665912018-12-20T13:18:00.002-05:002018-12-20T13:18:15.682-05:00On Maintaining Effort Through the Christmas Season<br />
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As I sit in the church office preparing for the 4<sup>th</sup>
Sunday of Advent as well as Christmas Eve worship, my to do list is filled with
what you might expect: finalize bulletins, lock in readers, make sure we have
enough candles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What you might not think would be on my calendar are the
items that need to be done for the time <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i>
Christmas: plan January worship and sermon series, do reading and lesson
planning for Bible Study on human sexuality, develop leadership goals and plans
for 2019.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was early in ministry, I approached Christmas (and
Easter) much like college students approach final exams: the closer you get,
the more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything else</i> goes on
hold. As if life after exams doesn’t really matter. It will happen. You will get
to it when it comes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The problem with taking such an approach to Christmas for a
pastor is that time keeps (blessedly) moving steadily along. And if you’re not
careful, you can back off so much that February comes somewhere at the end of
the haze of getting caught back up after Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I suspect it is not only pastors who struggle with the
temptation to put off everything else till after Christmas. Have you heard (or
said) any of these lines:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ll get serious about eating healthy again
after Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We can figure out our finances after we get
through Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I will make exercising a priority after the
holidays.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We’ll get in a good cleaning routine after the
new year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You get the idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are all good, laudable goals. The problem is, we are
quite good at putting off that which we ought at least to be somewhat mindful
of today. Launching full steam into marathon training and going vegetarian over
the holidays might not be practical, but laying aside all attention to healthy
eating and incorporating exercise into our days isn’t healthy ort helpful
either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This past Thanksgiving, as my family has done for a number
of years, Chris and I ran a 5k Turkey Trot in the morning. I exercise daily,
but have done less outdoor running recently, offering the excuse that the hills
which abound in our new neighborhood are downright unappealing. The Turkey Trot
course took us over several rolling hills—and I missed my target time by less
than three minutes. I was frustrated, realizing that I’d psyched myself out.
And that if I’d stopped grumbling so much about the hills around our house, I
could easily have achieved my goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That next week, I determined to overcome my grumbling about
running hills. And so I did some research. In a video online, one expert said I
had to make friends with the hill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friends, yes. With hills! <o:p></o:p></div>
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What she meant was I had to stop fighting the hill. Doing
what I had been unsuccessfully trying: attempting to power over the hill when I
had little experience even holding pace. Instead, she suggested not trying to
maintain speed but rather maintain effort. As the hill gets steeper, run a bit
slow, take steps a bit smaller, but maintain my form and effort. One of the
worst things to do is try to sprint up the hill and tell yourself you’ll slow
down or walk for a break after you do so. Turns out that just slows you down
and kills your pace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My first run after that instruction felt like night and day
compared to how I’d been running hills. I mentally paced myself, and kept
repeating “Maintain effort,” over and over in my head as I ran. I no doubt ran
a bit slower on some hills, but you know what? I ran a much faster speed
overall, and felt far better after the run than I’d usually felt <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after a run on the same course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This Christmas, I invite you to try to avoid sprinting
through the season. Pace yourself in healthy ways so that you don’t crash after
Christmas, or put off until January tasks and habits that would be better begun
today. Even in the midst of the holiday season. Be gracious with yourself, but
don’t procrastinate on important behaviors that help you be a good steward of
your time, talents and resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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May this Christmas and New Years season be a time of healthy
habits, not putting off till tomorrow that which you can begin today, and
pacing yourself in ways that feed your spirit and provide space and time to
grow in your relationship with God and others!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-81385267208252960902018-10-04T12:28:00.001-04:002018-10-04T12:28:51.187-04:00The Wesleyan Quadrilateral<br />
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My earliest memory of my own Bible is one that was gifted to
me as a small child—it was covered in tiles made of a material like white
shells. It was, as you can imagine, fairly fragile, and so I learned early on
to be very careful with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Though today I no longer have that Bible (I suspect it fell
prey to the expected downside of giving a fragile Bible to a child) I continue
to hold the Bible with care, though now more figuratively than literally. I
believe, as we attest as Christians and in particular United Methodist, that
the Bible is the foundation upon which our understanding of God and God’s work
in the world rests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I also know, however, that our earnest attempts to read and
understand the Bible often lead not only to disagreements with each other, but
also to questions and confusion ourselves. You may have heard someone say of
the Bible, that it can be an acronym: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>B</u></b>asic
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I</u></b>nstructions <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>B</u></b>efore <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>L</u></b>eaving <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>E</u></b>arth.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Instructions, yes. Basic? I have not always found it to be
so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As United Methodists, who stand in the guidance of John
Wesley, we have a tool to help us wade through the rich complexity of the
Bible. Decades ago, scholars coined a tool called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
While not a structure explicitly explained by John Wesley, the Quadrilateral
accurately describes how John Wesley approached the Bible and questions of
theology and how we are called to live in the world. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
asserts there are four tools we are to use to discern God’s will and truth:
Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The four are not equally balanced. Indeed, Scripture is our
primary tool for understanding God. As Christians, when we say “scripture,” we
mean the Bible. Old and New Testament. When we have a question about God, or about
understanding what is happening in our lives and world, it is to the Bible we
should first turn. As I mentioned above, however, the Bible is not always as
clear as we might like. There are passages which are troubling, challenging,
and even downright in conflict with other parts of the Bible. Indeed, our first
step when we are seeking to interpret the Bible is the Bible itself—to see what
other passages have to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think of it this way—scripture is like our eyes, the
primary way we see the world. Scripture is the primary way we see God. But
sometimes our eyes do not allow us to see clearly enough—maybe we can’t see
things far away, maybe we can’t see things close up. So we need help focusing
better. When that happens to me, the first thing I do is pause what I am doing
and try to focus more intently with my eyes. That is how we are to use the
Bible. When one portion is difficult to gain clarity on, we sit with scripture
to seek that clarity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But sometimes with our eyes, or with scripture, that is not
enough. We need more clarity. With our eyesight, we can turn to corrective
lenses. These help us focus more clearly. Reason, tradition and experience are
like corrective lenses to help us focus more clearly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But what are these three corrective lenses?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
REASON: Scripture commands us to love the Lord with our
heart, soul, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mind</i> and strength. God
gave us common sense as well as scientific study and our reasoning to help us
gain clarity in the world. When Joshua 10 describes a day of battle in which
the sun stood still, our modern understanding of the earth orbiting around the
sun challenges the ancients’ belief that the sun revolves around the earth but
still allows us to understand in this passage the description of a day which
seemed it would never end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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TRADITION: When we talk about tradition as a tool to help
gain clarity here, we are not talking about casual traditions, like our
tradition of doing potlucks! We are talking about the formal teachings of the
Church, the body of Christ, over the years. Tradition is where our idea of the
Trinity comes from—though an understanding of God which Christians from early
on saw woven throughout the Bible, the word Trinity appears no where in the
Bible. It is a theological teaching which the Church discerned to encapsulate
the nature of God as God is revealed in scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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EXPERIENCE: Our experiences of God’s activity in the world,
through God’s prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace, also help clarify
our understanding of God through scripture. I am reminded of the ways that God
has made a way where their seemed to be no way, and so as I reflect on a
challenge or new opportunity, my reading of scripture is shaped by these
experiences. It is important here that we are reminded that we are called to
not only reading scripture and reflect theologically on our won—we are called
to do so in community. Indeed, some of my own reflections have been powerfully
shaped not by my experiences but by the experiences of others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we continue to grow together in our understanding of God,
our study of scripture, and our ability to reflect more fully on God’s truth
and will, I invite you to consider the ways your faith is shaped by Scripture,
Reason, Tradition and Experience. And I invite you to use these four tools in
intentional ways to approach both questions of complexity and tension in our
world, as well as in ways to help reinforce your daily scripture reading. May
we each grow in our understanding of God and together, may our understanding on
God shape our lives and actions so that we can be part of the coming of God’s
kingdom even today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-17925482934145870252018-07-03T10:14:00.005-04:002018-07-03T10:14:38.996-04:00God's Story<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{151}" paraid="1473175102" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Years ago, as a gift for some occasion I have now forgotten, my father gave me a series of four photos he took of a stone </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">sculpture</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> located</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> outside the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. The four photos </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">are framed</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> together and progressively zoom in on the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">sculpture</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">—</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">rendering of the prodigal son being welcomed home and embraced by his father.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{175}" paraid="618284702" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">This sculpture bore particular meaning for my father—a United Methodist pastor’s kid who became a pastor himself, then became father to two United Methodist clergy. My father </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">wasn’t</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> the oldest</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">, responsible</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> son—no, he readily identified with the prodigal son. My father was the pastor’s kid who ran from church as he cruised through his teenaged years in Frederick County, Maryland where there </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">wasn’t</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> much for a teenage boy to do besides get in trouble on some back county road. He entered what is now Frostburg University because that year it had topped Playboy’s party school list. Dad was a walking illustration of the story of the prodigal son.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{193}" paraid="976145846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Dad’s story led him home, back to God. It started when a couple </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">guys</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> invited him to a Bible Study in college, and continued, he admitted, when he and his best friend realized the college girls liked guys who played guitar, especially praise songs. His journey </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">was shaped</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> by a profound call not only back to church, but also to</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ordained</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ministry.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{209}" paraid="1571515515" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{211}" paraid="216121571" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Like many prodigal stories, my father’s </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">didn’t</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> end with one return home. Dad would have several periods of wandering—literally and figuratively. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">His understanding of</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> God as primarily a God of grace, love and forgiveness was a thread that carried him through both joyful highs and deep, dark lows.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{223}" paraid="48969615" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{225}" paraid="1730315968" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">You see, Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Luke 15:11-32</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">) is not </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">first and foremost</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> about the son (</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">n</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">either the younger, prodigal son, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">n</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">or the older, responsible—and bitter—son). This is a story (as are ALL of Jesus’ parables) about God</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and God’s kingdom</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">. About the awesome, unmerited, extravagant love of our God. Our Father.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{249}" paraid="1778755593" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{baaaf74a-73a1-432a-b4f4-1da9aa4199b0}{251}" paraid="417050428" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">This</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> sculpture by </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Heinz </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Warneke</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> powerfully captures the Father as the center of the parable—</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">it is the Father who is the core of the sculpture</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">. The son practically fades into the Father’s embrace.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{b2f3eb91-27b1-4b5d-be3b-7de54c7cbd4a}{14}" paraid="1231586311" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">When I look at the photos—mounted together in a frame which will soon grace the walls of my office here at Calvary—I understand that my father wanted to convey to me not his own story, but God’s story. God’s love. </span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{b2f3eb91-27b1-4b5d-be3b-7de54c7cbd4a}{18}" paraid="1103688598" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{b2f3eb91-27b1-4b5d-be3b-7de54c7cbd4a}{20}" paraid="1969001047" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">It is as if my father</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">, who went to be with his heavenly F</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">ather several years ago,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> wanted me to hear his words each time I see the photos, “Never forget God loves you like this, so unending, so limitless,” and “Tell people this. Just this. All of this.”</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW62455283" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW62455283" paraeid="{b2f3eb91-27b1-4b5d-be3b-7de54c7cbd4a}{33}" paraid="1627794588" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">May all the new season you are entering, including this new season I am entering with the congregation at Calvary UMC, be an opportunity to </span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">be continually reminded</span><span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> of God’s extravagant love for us, and may we be committed and energized to share our testimony of God’s love, grace and forgiveness with others.</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCXW62455283" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pastor Sarah</span><span class="EOP SCXW62455283" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span style="font-weight: inherit;">al son, nor the older, responsible</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">—</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">and bitter</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">—</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">son). This is a story (as are </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">ALL of Jesus</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;"> parables) about God and God</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s kingdom. About the awesome, unmerited, extravagant love </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">of our God. Our Father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">This sculpture by Heinz Warneke powerfully captures the Father as the cent</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">er of the parable</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">—</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">it is the </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">Father who is the core of the sculpture. The son practically fades into </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">the Father</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s embrace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">When I look at the photos</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">—</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">mounted together in a frame which will soon grace the walls of my office </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">here at Calvary</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">—</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">I understand that my father wanted to convey to me not his own story, b</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">ut God</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">story. God</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">It is as if my father, who went to be with his heavenly Father several years ago</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">, wanted me to hear his </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">words each time I see the photos, </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">͞</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">Never forget God loves you like this, so unending, so limitless,</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">͟</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;"> and </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">͞</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">Tell people this. Just this. All of this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">͟</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">I give thanks to God for the season we are now entering together. May it be an</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;"> opportunity to be </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">continually reminded of God</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s extravagant love for us, and may we be committed and energized to </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">share our testimony of God</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">’</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: inherit;">s love, grace and forgiveness with others. </span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-86133519138173930002018-06-26T08:46:00.000-04:002018-06-26T08:46:04.324-04:00Liminal Phases<br />
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Years ago, I suspect in college, I learned about what experts call liminal
phases, but what peoples throughout the ages have simply understood as
necessary transitions or rites of passage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wikipedia defines the related term “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liminality" target="_blank">liminality</a>” as,<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“the quality of ambiguity or disorientation that occurs in the middle
stage of rites, when participants no longer hold their preritual status but
have not yet begun the transition to the status they will hold when the rite is
complete. During a rite's liminal stage, participants ‘stand at the threshold’
between their previous way of structuring their identity, time, or community,
and a new way, which the rite establishes.”</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Every appointment transition I have entered (changing from one church
to another) has felt like a liminal phase for me. An in-between place. There
are rituals for a pastor as they leave a church, and practices as they enter a
new church, but the time in-between is empty. That is somewhat intentional—a Sabbath
time between what are quite intense periods for a pastor—but it is also
disorienting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am less than a week away from beginning my new appointment as pastor
at Calvary UMC in Waldorf, MD. As our bishop asked transitioning pastors, I
took the last two Sundays off from my previous appointment. But I have been
aware through these past ten months, after leaving my appointment before that
at Arden UMC as my family moved to follow my husband’s newjob, that I was
living in a prolonged liminal phase.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And boy did I feel that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As United Methodist clergy we serve, in the phrase we are apt to use, “at
the pleasure of the bishop,” which for us captures the uncertainty of the
appointment process and the knowledge that the bishop could move us at any
time. In reality, however, the vast majority of us serve regular appointment
year cycles (with transitions July 1) and have some expectation of how long we
might be at our church. Still, the transitions can be disorienting, and
re-aligning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You see, liminal phases are not just about disorientation and ambiguity
for their own sakes. Life can bring enough of that. It seems to be that liminal
phases are about becoming. About noticing things about ourselves, the world,
others and God in ways that are difficult when we are settled into expected
patterns and places. And living into newness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is one reason I have such fondness for camp and retreat centers
(and I suspect one reason I was drawn to my husband, whose life work is to
order and operate such spaces). We do our best and deepest growth when our
moorings are loose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like ambiguity or disorientation. These
past ten months have been challenging as I’ve had the opportunity (and yes,
even been forced) to look at my life, ministry and the world around me in new
ways. And like many liminal phases, I suspect the fruits of that growth may not
be apparent to me until I settle into this next season. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I give thanks for God’s faithfulness in this (and all) liminal
phases. For patience, though often hard-fought, when I wanted to rush through
it. For strength when it bore down on me. For support from others as I’ve
processed this phase. For love and care of congregations on both ends of it and
indeed, inside of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We all walk through liminal phases. The in-between times. Job
transitions, life changes, grief and health challenges are just some of the
experiences which can bring us to these spaces.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I give thanks that we worship a God who knows these spaces well, and
who is able to use them to guide, strengthen and renew us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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May your liminal spaces and phases, even with all their ambiguity and
disorientation, be an opportunity for growth, grace and new glimpses of God’s
power in your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-30807029004940043962018-03-21T10:17:00.002-04:002018-03-21T10:17:50.064-04:00Don't Look Away<br />
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I hate pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We all do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Much of life is spent in a passionate journey to avoid pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Indeed, humans spend immense amounts of time and energy each year—indeed
each day—to avoid pain and suffering, both theirs and that of those they care
about. Our lives are filled with stories of the wonderfully successful ways we
and others have avoided pain and discomfort—as well as the tragically destructive
attempts made.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the simplest ways we often seek to avoid or minimize pain is to
look away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You know the drill—the nurse comes to draw blood or give a shot. She
gets your arm all prepped and then you close your eyes or turn your head. Those
who are able to just look straight at the spot where the pain (albeit brief and
generally for a good cause) is often seem to have trained their bodies and mind
to overcome what seems like a basic human reaction to pain—avoid and flee. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are fast approaching one of the most difficult times—if we dare look—in
the Christian calendar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Holy Week. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Those days which mark the final days of the earthly life of Jesus
Christ, the hours which mark his trials and crucifixion, and the dark, slow
hours that fell over his followers and the world in that painful interlude
between death and new life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It has become so cliché for clergy to note all the people who rush from
the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to the “Alleluias” of Easter that we’ve begun
fighting a guerilla war of sorts in which we have quietly co-opted part of Palm
Sunday worship for “Passion” Sunday focus—because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you can’t really see Easter if you don’t look through the pain</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But we don’t like looking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Looking means not only looking at Jesus’ suffering. It means also
looking at our own sins and participation in those final days and hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We have a hard time being willing to be observers let alone acknowledge
our complicity in that pain. Over the years Christians have at times preferred
to scape goat those present—in space and time—in those final hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We sing songs about how Jesus died for our sins, but we point fingers
at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bad guys</i> with whom we
foreswear any similarities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But we can’t claim Jesus’ love for us through suffering if we look away
at the suffering our own sin and brokenness created.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Throughout Lent, my congregation and I have been walking a journey through
the final hours of Jesus’ life using the props, the symbols, of those
experiences. We’ve reflected on those hours, that pain, through items such as
the rooster which crowed to book end Peter’s denial, the coins Judas received
as payment for his betrayal, and the dice with which the soldiers callously used
to make sport of Jesus’ pain and suffering as he died. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The soldiers, we readily say, didn’t even bother to look away. They
looked at the pain and suffering and it didn’t affect them at all. How
horrible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Indeed, perhaps our own sins involve not only
looking away, but also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">looking and not
seeing</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, we
forget that it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for our sins</i> that
he died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Theologians through the years have explored exactly
how and why that grim exchange of pain and sin and forgiveness works. They have
posited theories to explain it. This work is important, but for us, it ought
not distract us away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
From looking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And seeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Seeing the very real pain which our sins—even those
which seem so small, and even which go unseen by others—cause.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The pain our willful pride and casual self-interest
breeds in our own lives, the lives of those around us, and indeed, the heart of
God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This past Sunday, we passed out nails to each
person in worship and I invited them to consider what the last nail was—the most
recent sin, opposition to God’s will, act of self-justification and division
from others—they committed. And then to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not
look away</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
To look and see and feel the pain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Recognize the pain that each of us have gotten far
too good at avoiding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because Easter is a fairy tale, a lark, when not
grounded in the pain. The pain which must be seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This Holy Week, I invite all of us to recognize
that we stand at the foot of the cross not as observers, but as participants.
As those who walk around, hammer and nails in hand, ready to participate in the
pain and suffering of Jesus—God’s very self—and indeed the pain of ourselves
and others. But doing so by looking away just enough that it almost seems ok.
Soon enough it does feel ok. A small thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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May you be convicted this Holy Week, by the callousness
and avoidance which has been infecting your life. May you pour yourself humbly
before God, be willing to see yourself truly and clearly in all your pain and
capacity to inflict pain, and in your openness, may God renew your very life,
give you eyes to see the path to healing and wholeness. And may you glimpse and
be drawn into the redemptive power of God’s love and forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t look away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The best is yet to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-92082036612514805282017-10-02T15:01:00.000-04:002017-10-02T15:01:02.174-04:00My Family's Gun Story (Why I Believe Guns Make Us Less Safe)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Last night a gunman opened fire and killed over 50 people, injured over
400 and once again brought the discussion of (among other things) gun safety
into the public dialogue here in the US.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, in the midst of everyone’s grief and expressions offering their
thoughts and prayers, some have spoken out for increased gun safety (which yes,
means increased gun restrictions). The response from some has been, “Today’s
not the day, that is a political debate.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today IS that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Public safety is NOT a political issue. How we achieve it may be, but
NO. I don’t accept the argument that today we should not talk about gun
control. Today is totally the day to talk about it. Let’s stop having mass
shootings, and then sure, any day would be a good day to NOT have this
discussion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I do know that we all come from varied perspectives on the use and possession
of firearms. Those perspectives are informed by many things, including how we
were raised, the type of area we live in, what we think guns are used for (personal
safety, hunting, fun, whatever).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many people have their story—why they believe what they believe about
guns. I believe guns should be harder to get, require more in depth background
checks, and be easier to take (from, for example, those dealing with mental
health issues or those maybe accused of and certainly those convicted of
domestic violence).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here’s why:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My brother Dan, the second of the four of us (I am the oldest) did not
grow up with guns. A few family members had some, for protection (and some
worked in law enforcement), but we were not raised shooting guns or generally
believing a normal person needed a gun to be safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As an adult, Dan became a pastor in the Baltimore suburbs and one day
his house was robbed by what turned out to be the druggie son of a church
member. His back, basement door was broken during the break in. His church did
not fix the door for quite a while. At that time, my sister also lived in the
house with Dan. Dan was scared. At first they didn’t know who robbed him, and
finding out didn’t make him feel safer. The door was still broken. It would
have been easy for someone to get in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That was when Dan bought his first gun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In college, Dan had struggled with depression and once had called campus
security because he was feeling suicidal. They came, and he voluntarily checked
in to a mental health bed at the local hospital for a few days. Then he was
released, put on anti-depressants, and he got better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For years, he seemed well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That was when the break in happened. By the time (or soon thereafter)
that the church finally fixed the door that the robber had broken, Dan owned
two guns—for protection. Two guns legally bought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I later found Dan’s copy of his gun license applications. He had
answered everything honestly. One question asked if he had been <i>involuntarily</i> committed to a facility
for mental health treatment. He answered no. That was the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then things started to go horribly wrong for Dan. Our father died
suddenly and unexpectedly in his mid-fifties of a heart attack. Dan’s life
began to spiral out of control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And he still had two guns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are many, many things I regret about the months leading up to June
2014.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So many things I wish I (and others) had done differently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But if there was just ONE thing I could have done differently, it would
have been this: I would have asked Dan if I could take his guns until he was
feeling better. Or even whether, since his door was fixed and he house that
much more secure, he could just get rid of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t know how he would have responded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I wish I had tried. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After Dan’s suicide—using one of those guns he had bought to keep
himself safe, the police asked my sister (who was on the scene, supporting my
mother who faced one of the most horrific experiences any parent could face) if
she wanted the guns. She said no. They pressed, explaining that the guns had
some value and that if she didn’t take them, they’d have to be melted down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She told them to melt the damn things down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My brother was less safe because he had guns in his house. Guns he
bought for just the same reason so many people claim they own their guns—and for
a reason I think anyone would be hard pressed to think was illogical (if you’re
of the mind to think guns are ever a reasonable safety measure).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are tons of statistics out there about the risks of guns in the
homes of those with mental health issues. Statistics that flat out demolish the
argument, “Well, someone who wants to kill themselves will find a way to do it.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nope. You’re way less safe if there’s a gun. It is far too effective a
tool to end human life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A little while later, my husband and I, with two young children, were
talking about our own safety after some thefts in our area. We were scared. It
was the first time we ever had the discussion, “Would we be safer if we had a gun?”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We talked about it. We researched it. We kept in mind we had small
children. We decided our family would be less safe with guns than without them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t know how I could live through what my family lived through,
know what I know about gun statistics (what little we do know, since the gun
industry has successfully prevented detailed statistics even being kept), I
cannot help but conclude that widespread, poorly-limited gun ownership makes
each person, and our entire society, less safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is not a political debate. Maybe it’s a family argument. And we each
have our own stories. But there are too many stories like mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This needs to stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We need common sense gun laws which limit people’s ability to buy guns,
restrict what kind of guns they can buy, make it easier to take a person’s guns
when public or personal safety suggests it, and we need to lift ANY restrictions
on the kinds of statistics and research officials can do related to gun usage,
violence, injury and death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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By the way, I don’t know WHY anyone would oppose any of these (many gun
owners support these) but I especially don’t know why we are afraid to study
gun violence. After all, if it’s not really a problem, what are we hiding?<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-47129697895739403072017-09-28T15:14:00.000-04:002017-09-28T15:14:00.041-04:00On Crying Out for a King<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
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We are coming up on about a month since my family and I made a major transition, as my husband Chris received a promotion and our entire family moved across the state to settle in and start our own “news”—new job for me, new schools for the girls.</div>
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I could make quite a list of all the “news” but if you have ever made such a move yourself, you know.</div>
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One of the patterns which has changed for me in this time has been to have come to a place where each week—really each day—I am balancing reflections on at least four different portions of scripture: </div>
<ol>
<li>Our family devotion—Chris and I decided for this year to follow the Abingdon Press Deep Blue curriculum with our girls, so we have a text we read and reflect on for each week.</li>
<li>My personal devotion—challenged by my colleagues at this summer’s Pastors’ School in Zimbabwe, I’ve committed to reading through the Bible in a year, though the move slowed my pace and I need to up my game to make that goal!</li>
<li>My sermon preparation—being in a new appointment, I’ve decided to follow the lectionary, and for now at lest, generally preach on the Gospel (it’s hard to go wrong with, you know, Jesus).</li>
<li>My Bible study preparation—starting this week, my church’s <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Friday evening</a>Bible Study restarts and I’m tasked with teaching, and for the fall I’ve decided to move through a selection of Biblical passages that speak to who are called to be and what we are called to do as the people of God.</li>
</ol>
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Whew!</div>
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<div>
Generally I try to have fewer threads out there, but it’s been interesting, as you might imagine, to see these various paths cross, conjoin, and diverge. Already it is feeling like some crazy Biblical cacophony that at times weaves into the most beautiful (or beautifully challenging) symphony.</div>
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This week, our family devotion is the story of Samuel anointing Saul as king. (If you’re using the Deep Blue curriculum at church, you’ll know we’re behind a week or so, but hey, don’t tell anyone!)</div>
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I have been struck this week, as each morning with our girls we have read a different translation or telling of this story. Our girls’ curriculum has the story filled with repetition—the people calling again and again in words like, “Long live the king!”</div>
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If you know this account you know that the people of Israel until then had been led by a rag-tag succession of judges and leaders who primarily saw themselves as those conveying the will of God. But in a move any parent of small children (or you know anyone trying to keep up with the Joneses) can recognize, they see that the other peoples around them have a king and so they cry out to God for one too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Samuel, being a prophet of God and so a bit wiser and less reactive than everyone else, essentially tells them to be careful what they wish for. And in a move that boggles my mind, God finally concedes and tells Samuel to anoint Saul. (SPOILER ALERT: it won’t go well, for neither Saul nor almost any of the kings which will follow.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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As our nation continued and deepened into discussions of patriotism—specifically whether one ought to be able to knee during the playing of the national anthem at a football game—as well as ongoing debates about the nature of government and its role and most deeply, how we as a nation have been co-opted by the worst, darkest sentiments we carry especially around issues of race and privilege...well, I couldn’t help but be struck each time we would read that story and the people (voiced by my children) would cry out for a king.</div>
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We like power.</div>
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This is a sad, painful truth of humanity. It is rooted in the darkest part of who we are, as it was seen first in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve didn’t crave community, love, even provision—they HAD all those things. What they wanted was power. Wisdom. To be like God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And we have continued the struggle. It is as base what Christians for generations have understood as Original Sin. It is on its face today racism, bigotry of all stripes, economic disparity, gender inequality. Human power is always POWER OVER. </div>
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And dammit, if anyone is going to have POWER OVER, it should be ME.</div>
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As I watch, read and listen to accounts of our political leaders, our church fights, and even the brokenness in our homes and communities, I hear the echoes of this ancient yet disturbingly contemporary sentiment all around us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, my sermons these weeks have led me and my congregation through some of Jesus’ parables, especially those which challenge us to worry about ourselves (not others) and our own faithfulness. Last week we read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ parable of the workers. Some workers worked all day in the hot sun, and though they received the fair pay promised, they balked that others who worked only an hour also received the same. They felt like they deserved more. But the landowner essentially says, “You got what was fair and what was promised, why should it bother you if I’m generous to others?”</div>
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Well, because.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Because otherwise how can we know what we need to do to have POWER OVER others. If God’s grace isn’t based on merit, then perhaps this entire competitive, power-hungry game we’re playing is based on the wrong rules.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And we can’t win. Because winning entails POWER OVER.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
But we can’t admit maybe we’re not called to have POWER OVER so we get angrier and more belligerent and we stop listening to each other all together, because we know that to listen often leads to sympathy and even, God forbid, changing our minds and maybe even having to face truths that force us to need to confess and change. Rather than having POWER OVER, maybe we’re called to submit and humble ourselves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And after all, this Jesus thing is great, but no one told us it might lead us to have to give up some (or all) of what little POWER OVER others we have.</div>
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Dammit.</div>
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<br /></div>
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WE WANT A KING.</div>
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LONG LIVE THE KING.</div>
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We want someone to come fix everything and protect us and hey, we’re willing to give them some POWER OVER us if only they’ll protect some of our POWER OVER others.</div>
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I’ve reached the point in my reading through the Bible that I’m wading into Leviticus (see, I told you I was going slowly)...and so far I’m really struck by how God’s laws are directed at “you.” Now I know God means this communally, but I also kind of take it individually. Like here’s what to do if YOU make a mistake. I know later I’ll read about what to do about other people. But I’m kind of struck now by the ways God’s laws, as absolutely communally-oriented as they are (and should be) also encourage us to STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE. </div>
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Many years later Jesus will remind God’s people of this when he tells them to worry about the plank in their own eye before trying to pull the splinter out of their neighbor’s eye.</div>
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This week, as I begin this new BIble Study with my congregation, we’re looking at Joshua 24–Joshua’s speech to the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The part where he tells them, “Choose this day who you will serve.”</div>
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Maybe that’s our problem. From the beginning. That God gave us a choice. </div>
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We’re good at making bad choices.</div>
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And given the choice between faithfulness or God or striving for POWER OVER others, we almost always choose the latter.</div>
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After all, from the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, faithfulness to God has always been the OPPOSITE of POWER OVER.</div>
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So that’s where I find myself this week. Cringing when my children recite cries of, “Long live the King!” Because I know I’ve cried those words in so many different ways.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Convicted by the ways my POWER OVER (both the power I’ve gained and the power I was given through often arbitrary biological traits) drag me into fights and battles I too often feel I have to join without stopping to think whether they are faithful battles to fight at all.</div>
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So this week, I’m trying to ask questions of myself about when and how I have chosen the wrong battles, and when I have chosen the wrong sides...and who, this day, I will choose to serve. Perhaps you might join me in the same.</div>
</div>
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Sent from my iPad</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-50840535251296856942017-09-21T15:34:00.000-04:002017-09-21T15:34:12.021-04:00Seasons<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This past July, my brother got me an Amazon Echo for my birthday. I
hadn’t known I wanted one, but apparently he was sure I did. Fortunately, it
came just as we were preparing to leave the wilds of the Maryland mountains
(with their frustratingly slow satellite internet) for the positively sublime
world of high speed internet. And thus the ability to unleash the potential of
Alexa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It didn’t take long for my kids to realize Alexa was just as much at
their fingertips too. Call Uncle Jordan? No problem. Soon they were calling without
us even knowing. Research the details of the founding fathers (we’re big <i>Hamilton</i> fans)? In a sec. Play that song
you love, 54 times in a row? Sure, no problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s how the song “Seasons of Love” got put on nearly automatic reply
in our house for days on end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, any song will get annoying if played over and over, but it must be
said that “Seasons of Love” has a pretty high replay-annoyance threshold.
Seriously. Don’t trust people who don’t like this song. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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It also felt to me like a fitting soundtrack to what our family has been
experiencing over these past two months—the upending and replanting of so much
of our lives. New jobs for me and my husband. New schools for the girls. Moving
to the other side of the state (kind of). So much change. So quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So it has been good to reflect on seasons. And to take it one step
further, to be reminded of God’s faithfulness through all these seasons.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
525,600 minutes. One year. Well, a non leap-year. But you get the
point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some years it is overwhelming to consider the transitions—the changing
of seasons—that is possible in just those 525,600 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not going to get sentimental about change. There are lots of great
bumper stickers and cute sayings about change. I hate at least half of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Change is hard. Even when it comes by choice and welcomed, it is hard.
But even then, we are reminded of the domino effect of change. The learnings we
have from fields like family systems theory that reminds us that because of the
interconnectedness of our relationships and lives, a change in one area (good
or bad) will reshape other areas. Change is hard. It is also at best controlled
chaos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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People have of course been asking me lately how things are going. We’re
nearly three weeks into our big move. New starts. So far everyone has gotten to
school and work on time, and been fed. Win.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beyond that, I’ve told people it kind of feels like I’m a soda can that
someone picked up, shook, and set down. I don’t mean the “I’m about to explode”
part. I mean the, “I’m just waiting for things to settle out a bit” part.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people like the changing of seasons. I’m good with the whole idea
of changing seasons. I’ve felt God at work in all seasons. I just tend to get
impatient with the transition and want to get to the coming “season.” After
all, we’ve only got 525,600 minutes. Why waste any more than needed waiting?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I give thanks for this new season, even as I wait (hopefully just a
bit longer) for it to feel a bit more arrived. I mourn for the season past, but
I know God’s faithfulness that brought be through the seasons thus far will
guide me through this one unfolding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe I’ll ask Alexa to play that song one more time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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NOTE: If you are interested in other songs that might be reassuring in
times of changing seasons, here are some of my recent favorites (there aren’t
many—I play these on repeat—my daughters learned well):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<a href="https://youtu.be/p4rRCjrAyCs" target="_blank">Hills and Valleys</a>,” by Tauron Wells<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<a href="https://youtu.be/APAgH2gfNHU" target="_blank">Still</a>,” by Hilary Scott and the Scott Family<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<a href="https://youtu.be/6E0F2s_3I78" target="_blank">Take Another Step</a>,” Steven Curtis Chapman<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<a href="https://youtu.be/lwgr_IMeEgA" target="_blank">Rise Up</a>,” Andra Day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The entire <i>Hamilton</i> soundtrack,
but especially, “Alexander Hamilton,” “My Shot,” “History Has Its Eyes on You,”
and “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-90313918852389173312017-07-27T13:28:00.003-04:002017-07-27T13:28:56.688-04:00On Zimbabwe, Changing Voices, and Visiting Each Other<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I met Virginia a little over 11 years ago as I began my first summer
field education place during seminary. Virginia was a kind, Christian woman in
her nineties who bore all the gentleness of age and none of its bitterness. If
you had met Virginia yourself, you, like I did at first, might have assumed the
generations-old log cabin in the mountains of western North Carolina had always
been her home. She was a bit of a walking stereotype, one might have guessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, I guessed at least.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, life and people being what they are, those first impressions
belied her full story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is true Virginia’s family had owned and lived in that log cabin—which
she now shared with her retired son and his wife—for many generations. It was
the place she was born, grew up, and entered adulthood. But soon after her
marriage, Virginia left that log cabin. She wouldn’t return to live there with
her son and daughter in law until after his retirement, just a few years before
I came to spend a summer in that place. To be a pastoral intern. And to come to
know her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The intervening years, encompassing nearly all of her adulthood,
Virginia had become a city girl. She had lived in and raised her son up north,
mostly, if I recall, in Chicago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You might forgive me my assumptions if you also knew Virginia’s son,
who when I met him wore overalls ALL the time, and sported quite the
mountain-man beard. I didn’t know how clean-shaven he’d lived his office-work
life before retiring to his ancestral home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I came to know Virginia and her family, I was first of all struck by
the way our first impressions and assumptions can create barriers between us
and who others truly are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then, Virginia opened my eyes to even deeper truths and revealed far
more ingrained assumptions and stories I’d heard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One day I set about to really learn about her experience. I expected to
hear about the difficulties of living in that mountain area during the Great
Depression, and to hear her sense of longing for the good old days. I had heard
these stories from others. And perhaps others had so convinced themselves and me
of their truth that I almost didn’t even ask.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When asked about the Great Depression, Virginia told me she thought it
hardly made a difference. Her family had been so poor, the Great Depression
didn’t really matter to them. I thought, “Heck, yeah, I guess if you aren’t
really part of the cash-based economy, it probably wouldn’t matter too much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then I asked Virginia if she missed the old days, if she thought of
them as the “good old days.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She didn’t think long and hard, or wistfully, at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Instantly, she said no, not at all. She said nearly every single thing
about life today was better than when she grew up. Every. Single. Thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Except one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She wished people visited each other more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not for purpose. Without agenda. Just to visit. To get to know each other. To spend time together. We are too outcome oriented, she told me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think about Virginia often, and the lessons I learned from her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought about her again recently as I travelled to (and then home)
from my second trip to Pastors School in Zimbabwe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My first trip to Zimbabwe, where we connected with our United Methodist
clergy colleagues there, was akin to that conversation with Virginia.
Assumptions shattered. Distance (or time, age or space) overcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Virginia did not hold me at a distance because of her age, experience,
or clearly superior wisdom. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My colleagues in Zimbabwe, were, I have now found twice, also willing
to help bridge the gap of the experiences, differences and distances which
separate us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have written before about my first trip, so I will not do so again
here. In many ways, that first trip was, and I suspect will always be, the most
formative in my own experience with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I once again, this trip, found myself trying to walk the path of
recognizing and valuing the differences between my own experience and my colleagues
in Zimbabwe, but also not allowing my perceptions of those differences to seep
into assumptions about their own processing of their (and my) experiences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This trip, I had powerful conversations which were in many ways even
more open than I experienced last trip. Conversations about the future of our
shared denomination. Sharing about our families and ministries in ways that
require a previous foundation. I don’t know that I had any grand revelations
this trip. It was good. It was powerful. It was, I am certain, where God called
me to be for that week. And I am still not sure what great insights it will
shed. Perhaps we are foolish and arrogant to expect all such experiences to
offer us that. Like God has to work in fireworks and theatrics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have found that often the most important moments and experiences in
my life have come and gone without me understanding until much later their
importance. And in so doing, I am constantly reminded of the presence of God in
and through the mundane. The routine. Or at least the spectacularly
unremarkable changes to routine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of my seminar professors told us, “It is best not to sing while
your voice is still changing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In its context, he meant this to say that we would do well to not try
to pastor people while we’re still being formed in seminary. I have the utmost
respect for those who do serve churches in seminary—seminary wrecked me. It
tore me down, and only later built me back up. My voice was changing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But here’s the thing. My voice is still changing. For the longest time,
I thought some day it would stop. I would settle into me. I think that is
happening, has happened. But it is also still happening. And I think—I even
hope—it always does.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so it is with Zimbabwe, so it is as I prepare for a pastoral transition,
we prepare to move our children from the only home they’ve known, and the only
place Chris and I have shared as husband and wife. My voice is still changing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I give thanks to God that God doesn’t make us wait until our voice is
done change. Indeed, I give thanks for the messy, at times off-key, beauty
chorus of our changing voices that God draws together from across time and
space to be brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the family and body of
Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And don't forget, we should visit each other more.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-19293133463917809742017-03-22T10:19:00.004-04:002017-03-22T10:25:58.776-04:00On Questioning God's Call<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently I had the opportunity to talk about my call to ordained ministry
with some folks learning about the candidacy process in the UMC. I was asked
many good questions, some revealing some common misconceptions or assumptions,
all getting to some issues which I think are pretty important. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though it is not the first question I’m often asked (nor was it in that discussion), I want to speak today
to this one:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>So you never questioned your
call, right? Once you heard it?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, I question it. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Okay, that is an exaggeration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I question it. I did from the beginning. I still do. Somedays I question it off-handedly, some days the ability to question it (and argue with God over it) is the only thing that gives enough elasticity to it to keep at it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My actual response to that question recently was, <i>“Oh, yes. I do. Often. I did today. I think it’s, maybe arrogance,
something, to be so sure you don’t question it. I think we should always
question what we think God is saying to us—always look for signs and guidance. In
the United Methodist Church we value not only an individual’s sense of call but
also the community’s discernment.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think our notion here is if God’s call is so strong, others will see it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Indeed, my own call became clear to me not because my father
(grandfather and great-grandfather) was a pastor, but because an older woman at
the church my father was then serving in Baltimore (Brooklyn UMC, now closed)
said to me “It’s such a shame you’re not going to me a pastor like your father.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A call to ordained ministry had literally never occurred to me before
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There’s a film I love called<i>
Keeping the Faith¸</i> staring Edward Norton (as a Catholic priest) and Ben
Stiller (as a rabbi). They were childhood friends who grow up to be men of God.
There’s a woman they both fall for. It’s like a priest-and-a-rabbi-joke meets a
romantic comedy meets a coming of age film meets a religious movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But in the midst of all of that, it’s got some really great reflections
on calls to ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On one scene, Edward Norton’s character is struggling with the
commitments he’s made as a priest. He’s considering leaving the priesthood,
finding his vows to be too tight. He’s discerning. He seeks out his senior
priest, who had also been one of his seminary professors, and asks his advice—should
he just leave the priesthood? It seems in seminary the senior priest had told
the seminarians if they could think of doing anything else, they should. Don’t
enter priesthood. Go do that instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The problem is, as Edward Norton’s character is finding out, this pure,
unquestioned confidence withers in the face of real life. At that moment, he
can absolutely imagine leaving the priesthood and settling down with a wife and
family and doing something else. So if that’s really the bar, his decision is
made, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are the lines from this scene:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>Father Brian Kilkenney Finn: I keep thinking about what you said in
seminary, that the life of a priest is hard and if you can see yourself being
happy doing anything else you should do that.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>Father Havel: That was my recruitment pitch, which is not bad when
you're starting out because it makes you feel like a marine. The truth is you
can never tell yourself there is only one thing you could be. If you are a
priest or if you marry a woman it's the same challenge. You cannot make a real
commitment unless you accept that it's a choice that you keep making again and
again and again.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every day you make it. The commitment at ordination (or on your wedding
day, or any other major commitment) is perhaps best understood as a commitment
to keep making the same commitment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until it isn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We all know colleagues who have left ministry. Or, perhaps their call
has changed shape, and they’ve moved into extension ministry from local church.
Or maybe they started in extension ministry and felt called to parish ministry.
Not all of these are the same, but they direct us to consider that God’s will
for us may change. May evolve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If the Holy Scriptures are a living word, surely God’s call to each of
us is as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Discerning call is a hard thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And calls are lived out within the imperfect world of the people of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who can be cruel. And unforgiving. And caught up in their own stuff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ministry settings can be challenging. Pastors and congregations can
suffer from bad fits. Family commitments can make professional obligations feel
like impossible choices. Church politics and dynamics can mean pastors don’t
get the perfect church for them and churches don’t get the perfect pastor for
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>(What is perfect? But that’s
another post all together…)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All of this and a host of other factors can make us re-examine our
call.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we need to be reminded what our call was to begin with.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s ok if our call evolves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The United Church of Christ has a line they used for advertising that I
think is helpful here: Never put a period where God has placed a comma.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hearing a call to set apart ministry (because we are <u><i><b>all </b></i>called to
ministry</u> by virtue of our baptisms) is the beginning (or middle, etc.) of the
process. God is still speaking. Our prayerful hope is that through the process
to actually enter licensed or ordained ministry, the individual, with the help
of many others, distills down to God’s call on their lives. I think that call can
be discerned. I also think it’s ok on some days to question it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I think on those days, we are called to use the same tools which
helped us discern that call in the first place: our experience of God, our
reading of Scripture, the guidance of the faith community, and our good sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May you hear God’s call on your life. May you be open to its continued
development. May God give you the strength you need to live into that call. And
should God’s call ever lead you to take a left turn or a different path, may
God grant you wisdom, courage and patience to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, and never quit on your worst day.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-8810042693465403722017-03-02T12:25:00.003-05:002017-03-02T12:25:45.970-05:00On Sorting<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The books came to my office in waves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
First my books. Brought in the days before I officially began here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
July 1, 2014 I was officially the pastor. I’d unpacked my books the day
before, taking off the shelves the books left from the previous pastor—orphans in
their own right. Books waves of previous pastors left her, then she left me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I boxed them up, put them out for members to look through, and washed
my hands of those orphaned books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next wave of books came from my father. Well, along a path from him.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dad, an avid reader whose library may have rivaled ancient Alexandria’s,
died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his church office frozen in time. And
his books sitting organized on his shelves. Ready to be read. To be lended. I
never saw the books there, patiently and futily awaiting his return. Instead, months after
his death a kind colleague boxed up the best, the personal, and sent them up to
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then came my brother Dan’s books. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My husband and I boxed up those ourselves. Scatted, disorganized, and including some
Dan had received from Dad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dad was like that—I think he loved lending books as much as reading
them. Many of my own books were borrow from Dad or given as gifts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There had been no time to sort Dan’s books, so we had packed them all.
Waiting for some later date to be sorted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That’s how Dan left us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Waiting for some later date to be sorted and put back into order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dan committed suicide. My mom discovered his body on a Sunday (Father’s
Day—just shy of a year after Dad’s death). By Tuesday we were packing those
boxes. That Saturday we were emptying Dan’s parsonage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We needed time we didn’t have to sort things out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe Dan had needed that too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thus came the books. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And in boxes they sat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And sat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And sat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I cannot tell you how many days “sort books” was on my to do list. Too many.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today I sorted. I had long had this awful feeling that the task wouldn’t
take long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even as I flipped through each book in the dozen or so boxes, it still went
quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It seems to me that two lives defined by books, ideas, beliefs and commitment should take a lot longer to sort through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday we were reminded that we are dust, and to dust we shall
return.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dad and Dan were dust. They were also, in some ways, books. Those books
recall their lives. Their studies. Their passions in ministry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The fact that some boxes I had to double check whose office the books
had come from reminds me how tied together they were. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so sit the boxes destined for sale or trash. The boxes are a bit lighter for their few I have kept. Part of
the remains my father and brother left me. Reminders of conversations we had.
And conversations we never got to have. I had hoped there might be some great
message left tucked in the pages of one of their books. But no. Their messages,
their lives, were not there. Maybe glimpses shine forth in the notes in the
margins. I think Dad would find great power in the view of our lives seen in our notes in the margins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we all need some sorting out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we are able, by God’s grace, to do this ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we must rely on others to do this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are dust. To dust you shall return.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May God sort us all out in due time.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-89546453467200108432017-01-31T10:33:00.001-05:002017-01-31T10:33:40.210-05:00A Call to (White) Parents On Privilege and Diversity<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Over two decades ago, my father came back into ministry after a
sabbatical (due to his diagnosis, fallout and treatment for bipolar disorder) to
serve as pastor at a church in southern
Baltimore City. The church, Brooklyn UMC, was situated in a neighborhood bearing
the same name. We even had our own Brooklyn Bridge—a train bridge painted in
the colors of the rainbow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had never lived in a city before. And here I was, entering seventh
grade, in a new place, our family still reeling from the couple of years our
lives fell apart as Dad had spiraled down then fought his way back up (which
took many years yet), heading into a culture shock I imagine any expert would predict.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Except it never really came. Not that I remember today. I had completed
sixth grade in a small town (Thurmont) in rural Maryland where the KKK still
stood on street corners passing out literature from time to time. As I recall,
we had one kid who was ethnically mixed in our grade. That was our diversity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we arrived in Baltimore, my mother quickly set to getting our
schooling straightened out. When the neighborhood middle school curtly refused her
request to visit the school before enrolling me, Mom knew something was amiss and
dug into school system rules to find a little-known provision allowing students
from Brooklyn to enroll instead in the STEM magnet program a few neighbors over,
FSK Middle School (a fitting name for a school just blocks away from Fort
McHenry).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
At FSK, most of my teachers were African-American. Our student body was
very ethnically diverse, and we even had some visiting teachers from a Japanese
sister school. I can still sing the chorus to Boyz II Men’s song “End of the
Road” in Japanese. It was awesome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One year we did a months-long study on the Harlem Renaissance, crossing
all classes. It never occurred to me that African-American history had a month.
Heck, we couldn’t have even covered the entire Harlem Renaissance in a month. It
was just history. Our nation’s history. So we studied it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was blessed to have the opportunity to grow up in a wildly diverse
community, attend middle school in yet another diverse community, then attend
high school (Western High School) in a setting where I was an ethnic minority
in a school filled with some of the strongest, fiercest, most amazing women. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was my normal. It is what I lived, but it was also what my parents
taught me was normal and ordinary, because of what they said and did, and
because of what they didn’t. Because of what they never pointed out was a
remarkable experience for a middle class white girl. It was a gift of the United
Methodist Church’s itineracy system and two parents who in the midst of our own
family’s pain had some lessons about life and the world and people they wanted
their kids to learn well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today our country is reeling from racial, ethnic, geographical and nationalistic
tensions that we feel at times might break us. These tensions are not new, and
it is hard to tell whether they are stronger or merely now more visible. They
are the worst parts of us. They may seem normal, because we are used to them…or
used to glancing away from them, but they are not the normal, the truth, of the
kingdom of God. There is nothing about our tendencies to diminish others and
promote ourselves which is of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not. A. Single. Thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We need to craft a new normal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Parents—we need to cast a vision for our children that confronts that
which we want their futures to avoid. A vision rooted in God’s kingdom—this kingdom
we pray and read and sing about but which we are also invited to get bound up
in. This vision must also include positive emphasis on what we want our
children to face. I know it is daunting to know what to do, what to say, but
parents, you have so much power to shape your children. Here are some tips I
learned from my parents:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Help your children be firmly rooted in
scripture. I cannot change people. You cannot change people. God can. And God’s
word falls clearly and consistently on the side of the opposed and excluded.
Help your children be so grounded in scripture that they have no understanding of
the distorted theology which calls them to use God’s word to oppress or discriminate
against others. If you do this well, your children will one day challenge you on
the biases you have yet to fully face. Then you will know you have done well.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Honor others’ traditions. Actively and
intentionally. Learn about other faith traditions, other areas of the nation
and world, people of different economic classes and ethnic groups. Read books
that have illustrations reflecting all these diversities. One of our girls’
favorite books is about Ramadan. I’ve learned a lot from it too. I love that it
not only shows children and adults talking briefly about what Ramadan is, but
it also shows an ethnically diverse cast of characters, including some women wearing
the hijab. To do this well, you will probably need to raise your game. Learn
some yourself. That’s ok. You can probably use to raise your game. We all can.
By the way—no, you’re not going to make your kid Muslim by reading a book about
Muslims…if that’s how it worked, all kids would become a farmer like Old McDonald.
If doing stuff like this makes you uncomfortable, that’s totally fine. Do it
anyway. That means you’ve found one of your own growing edges.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Immerse your children in diversity. Take
advantage of the diversity around you. Make an effort to involve your children
in activities and take them to events where they will not only see but also
interact with people who are different than them. Let them see you in
friendships, working with, worshipping with and being with, people who are
different than you. Related to the above, make an effort to surround your
children at home as well with books, toys, tv shows, movies, etc. which reflect
diversity.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Teach your children history. Your children
hopefully are already learning this at school—whether they’re lucky enough to
be at a school which studies the Harlem Renaissance, or as our Anna did this
year as a kindergartener (at a wildly non-ethnically diverse school—yes, in
rural MD) come home and tell her father and I all about Ruby Bridges and ask us
when Ruby integrated school in relationship to the timeline of Dr. King’s
public work. Encourage curiosity and make an effort to build learning about a
diverse history into vacations, museum trips, days out, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Be willing to confess your own mistakes, biases and faults to your children. Help them thus to learn that we all are responsible for our beliefs and actions and that when we make mistakes (which we will) there is a path to healing and wholeness and that path requires honesty and humility. Teach them that being the most important or right person in the room is not the goal. Being the most gracious, love-filled, image-of-Christ person they can be is.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Parenting is difficult. And at any given moment we’re trying to keep a
dozen things in mind while also keeping our own sanity. But our world
challenges our own and our children’s efforts to care for the other. The world
tells us to fight for our own, hold our ground, and fight to be in control. It’s
not going to get easier. As adults we need to find ways to speak up and speak
out. Our example speaking up and out is indeed part of the lessons we teach our
children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As parents, we also have immense power to shape the future though our
children. We also have the ability to shape our children’s futures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Parents of white kids (I’m one, remember), keep this in mind: our
nation and world are getting more diverse. If valuing all people and make sure
your children grow up without hate, prejudice or anger are not a moral
imperative for you, consider the practical reality that your children will live
as adults in a world which is far more connected and diverse than you have
experienced, and even than you can probably imagine. If you teach your children
to be scared of foreigners, angry at minorities, bitter about cultural changes,
and ignorant of the experiences and histories of others, you are dooming them
to futures of their own bitterness, isolation and exclusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It is a privilege to be able to decide whether you will teach your children
to value diversity or not. If you’re white and you can’t wrap your head around
what your privilege looks like, you may find (some of) it here. That your child
could go through their entire childhood without having to take a serious look at
the history and example of people who are different, or without valuing people who
have been historically oppressed—that is possible. Hopefully much less possible
now in a world where educators may understand better than you about the world your
children will inherit, but probably possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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So use your privilege wisely. Prepare your children well for their
futures. And you know—do what Jesus calls us each to do, which is love and
value each other, reach out to the stranger, be willing to be broken in places our
hearts are hardened. Allow God’s grace to change and reshape you. Grow into the
image of Christ. And help your children be set on the path to do the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you would like resources to help support you, or if you'd like to learn more about specific things Chris and I have and do try (and we are not perfect either) please let me know. If you're still not convinced you need to find ways to confront your bias and teach your children to appreciate and value all, check out testimonies of those whose lives have been broken by hate, including Frank Meeink's <i>Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead</i>.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-67522936584810418472016-12-24T10:34:00.003-05:002016-12-24T10:39:30.975-05:00On Joseph and Trying to Catch Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCslFKSNqhaYZx98xUAxmrjfb6ZJ8J1pgu8CaPYrtD7o_bPwwJYgJfgMP1M5fOxpfSNf8JlC6iboEw92yH4-p5OPhufj_E05aDPlJv1pmxAAQodiPFTsB6NRC1I0liAvliclbz_X1QnnB/s1600/maryandjoseph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCslFKSNqhaYZx98xUAxmrjfb6ZJ8J1pgu8CaPYrtD7o_bPwwJYgJfgMP1M5fOxpfSNf8JlC6iboEw92yH4-p5OPhufj_E05aDPlJv1pmxAAQodiPFTsB6NRC1I0liAvliclbz_X1QnnB/s320/maryandjoseph.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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I love Mary. Mother of Jesus, Mary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My youngest daughter’s name is Mary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mary is awesome (well, both of them).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But often, hers is not the story in the birth accounts of Jesus with
which I most connect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Joseph is where it’s at.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness
than permission”?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I hate the line. Despite the fact that’s how I got to choose paint
colors for my room when I was in high school and we lived in a parsonage. So
there’s that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But if you’ve ever been the one asked for forgiveness when someone
could have asked permission, you know how much it stinks to be on that end of
things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I often think about that when I read the birth narratives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The angel comes to Mary with this incredible and daring message. I don’t
want to diminish at all her response. It is powerful. And faithful. And a great
example for all of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But then there’s Joseph.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the time God sends an angel to Joseph the entire store is set in
motion. Mary’s gotten her angel. Mary is pregnant. She has told Joseph. Joseph,
in a move of great graciousness, has decided to break his engagement with Mary
quietly. Scripture tells us he is a righteous man. So I am sure he knew that
she was due quite severe treatment for getting pregnant out of wedlock—and not
by her fiancé. But Joseph also knew something about righteousness—that it is
about being in line with God. And sometimes being in line with God means
faithfulness to something greater than religious laws. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God is, after all, bigger than even the most religious folks’ attempt
to codify God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph decides to break the engagement quietly because even if Mary
has told him the angel’s message, who would believe her?! Joseph is not a fool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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THEN. Only then, does God send an angel to Joseph.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The ship has sailed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The train has left the station.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph is kind of asked for forgiveness rather than permission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mary gets to utter those powerful and faithful words, “Let it be with
me as you have said.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph is just trying to catch up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We don’t know very much about Joseph but I think we figure, from what
little scripture says as well as our notions about fathers, that he was a good
man and a good father. Think “Leave It to Beaver” or Danny Tanner or Jason Seaver
kind of good father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Like those fictional fathers, Joseph is often just a one dimensional
person to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You just know there is so much more though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Think of it: Here’s this young man who is about to marry a girl from
the village. Mary has to have been a pretty awesome woman—after all, God choose
her to bear Jesus. This is an exciting time for Joseph, I imagine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then the bottom drops out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I can only imagine the deep disappointment and devastation Joseph must
have been feeling. The kind that makes most people want to make others hurt as
much as they do. Maybe Joseph felt that way. Maybe he didn’t. He at least didn’t
act out of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think often the testimony of our character isn’t so much how we feel,
but how we act out of those feelings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And there’s Joseph, just trying to catch up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel more like that most of the time than I do feel like Mary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just trying to keep up with what life has brought. Trying to catch up
with what God is doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes not doing particularly well at either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Occasionally I’ve had times where I’ve responded to God with those
words, “Let it be.” About to take on some new task of season, I look ahead with hope and excitement. Ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But most of the time, like Joseph, I take a deep breath and try to get
on with it. Figure out what being faithful and righteous means in the face of
what is already unfolding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So this year, like most, I will relish in the words of the Gospels
about Mary and her faithful response. But I will pay particular attention to
Joseph’s part. Joseph’s righteousness and faithfulness and willingness to let it
be. Even if he, like me, was mostly just trying to catch up with what God was
doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And you know what? That’s enough. Just trying to catch up with God is
enough. Enough for God to use you to do incredible things. Enough to bring
blessing into your life and to help you share God’s blessings with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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Thanks be to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-82099039498888531652016-12-09T14:07:00.003-05:002016-12-09T14:07:18.088-05:00On Taking Good Advice<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I decided to tackle a sewing project this fall: sewing two tree skirts—one
for our girls’ small artificial tree and one for our main family tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a project I’ve had in mind for a while. Most years I use fabric
under our tree. Because—have you seen the price of tree skirts? Sheesh!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m also really picky. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not a terribly skilled quilter or seamstress though, so it took a while
to find the right pattern.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It also took a bit to get back to it. My brother Dan had borrowed my sewing
machine and cutting mat a couple months before he died. I rescued the sewing machine
from his house, but I don’t remember what came of the mat. It took a couple
years of intermittent interest on my part just to get the machine—a very basic
one—working reliably again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But…I found a pattern I thought I could manage. Bought the fabric. Got
a new mat. And got to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Cutting and piecing it was the easy part. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next I had to actually assemble the layers and quilt it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I stalled there a few days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But then…perfect timing…Debbie, who works in our bishop’s office and
more importantly, owns and runs a quilting store, was coming out to camp with a
group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As you can imagine, I waited for my chance and then asked for a couple
of minutes of her time and showed her the pieced top for the girls’ tree skirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Debbie read the project and me pretty quickly. I hardly said much before
Debbie began explaining how to sequence the layers of fabric and batting. She
asked what my machine could do, then gave simple and clear suggestions for how
to quilt it. Gave a few pro tips from her own project experience. This was expert
level stuff, folks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, you’d think I’d have the good sense to do just what she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I asked a couple questions partly due to the fact that the pattern
instructions were different for finishing the quilt—and required me to use
quilt binding on a hexagon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How hard could that be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pretty darn hard, as it turns out. Which is why Debbie had suggested a
different way of finishing the skirts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you know what?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I didn’t listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought, “Well, yeah, but I’m gonna follow the instructions.” (Which
is ironic because part of my sewing issues is my frustration following
instructions exactly.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately I attempted finishing the girls’ tree skirt first.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which is really good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because I mangled it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve used binding on maybe 4 projects before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I should never have attempted to do it on the skirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Debbie was right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I managed to finish the girls’ tree skirt. But please, if you’re ever at
my house, don’t look at the bottom of it. Please. You will think less of me. ;-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A couple days later I had a chance to work on the main tree skirt. And
do exactly what Debbie told me. Exactly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you know what? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yep. You guessed it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She was totally right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve been really struck by this lesson since. Not so much about the
binding (though really, I hate quilt binding…I’d forgotten how much I hate it)
but the lesson about how we often don’t take the advice we really should. Even
when we’re the ones who ask someone for their advice—someone we know who really
does know what they’re talking about—we too easily think we still know better.
Or we can’t do what is advised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I read once that only something like 1 in 8 people who are at risk for (or
already have) heart issues will follow their doctor’s advice about eating
healthier, exercising more, and making other important life changes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ain’t that the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mean, think of it: when was the last time you heard advice from
someone (who actually know what they were talking about—not random people who
just like to tell you what to do) but didn’t take it? Why was that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Earlier in ministry, I was talking with more experienced clergy
colleagues about some difficult conversations and tense situations—ones which
were very exhausting and draining for me but which my attempts to remain
present in weren’t changing. One asked me, “Why do you keep allowing yourself
to have to keep listening to the same stuff over and over? It doesn’t sound
like it’s helping. Just move on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It hadn’t occurred to me, I must admit, to just leave it be. And it
took time to really take that advice. Still does sometimes. But they were
right. I just needed to take their advice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am confident there is something in your life you have (or should)
sought the advice and guidance of those who have been through a similar
situation, someone trained by experience and opportunity to give you the
direction you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, and don’t try to using binding on a hexagon. Just don’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-85747339923515901772016-12-07T10:31:00.001-05:002016-12-07T10:58:25.854-05:00Brokenness, Addiction, and Searching for Light and Hope<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tis the season of joy and celebration, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And brokenness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yep. This is when we must muster our best tools to ignore the pain
around us. Because for all the peace and happiness, this Christmas season is
also one that sheds light…light on the places in our lives and relationships we’ve
spent the rest of the year politely tucking away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those family members and friends we’ve gently (or not so gently)
ignored? Yep. Right in our faces now. Trying to resist the urge to buy them
passive aggressive gifts. Or declare our righteous indignation at whatever
despicable view or practice they’ve somehow harmed us or the world with this
year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Joy and celebration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ha.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What’s more, this is the season that same brokenness pours out onto our
streets. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the West Virginia panhandle, as in many other areas…too many other
areas…you can’t honestly speak about our brokenness without naming the epidemic
of opioid addiction tearing about lives, families and communities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is painful. And difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We want it to stop, but we seem as powerless to stop it as the addicts
themselves. We wrestle with the intersection of the responsibility we each have
over our lives and decisions versus the powerlessness addicts face in their
dependency. We criminalize addictions to some drugs while this time of year
celebrating the actual biggest and most debilitating addiction in our
communities and lives: alcohol. We’re a hot mess. But we’re darn well convinced
our mess is someone else’s problem. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yep, ironically, even as we protest other people’s lack of taking
ownership of their own lives, we cast aside our own responsibility to ourselves
and each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday I attended the monthly Berkeley County Ministerial Association
meeting, where we heard a presentation from Kevin Knowles, Berkeley County’s
Community Recovery Services Coordinator. He shared a host of information and statistics
about addiction in our community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Summary: drug addiction is a problem that is growing. And the costs are
staggering: in addition to the crimes associated with drug use, in just the
most extreme cases—overdoses—the cost to the taxpayers is around $1200 per emergency
call. Over the past year in Berkeley County, that’s inching up towards half a
million dollars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We have the ability through tools like NARCAN, to bring addicts back
from the brink of death. This is, however, an ability which challenges us.
Because when you’re not an addict, you would think one such instance would
scare you sober. But addiction defies logic. And good sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Addiction is a disease. It has consequences across the board—for bodies,
relationships, communities, you name it. All addiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Did I mention alcohol?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
During Kevin’s presentation, he shared a video of first person account
which was from what I’m assuming was a sermon at The Living Room (a church in
Martinsburg). The woman described her progression into addiction (and the
falling apart of her life), starting with prescription pain pills. She
explained that part of her sobriety was understanding that certain emotions (sadness,
stress, etc.) are normal parts of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So where do we begin?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve only scratched the surface of topics related to the drug epidemic.
Clearly, there are crises in our lives and communities which are precursors to
drug addiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
How do we face the disappointments and brokenness of life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
How do we balance immediate relief vs. long term health?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When are medications the best treatment?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When are lifestyle changes needed?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Several years ago I read a powerful book, <i>Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead</i>. It’s a powerful read for so
many reasons. One small piece that really jumped out at me though was when he
talks about how he finally got on a solid path to sobriety (the connection
between his hate-filled past and his addictions is itself eye-opening). He
shares that living in a sober house where he was required to take care of basic
things, like making his bed each day, gave him the necessary structure (and
eventually self-confidence) to begin to make even bigger and lasting changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I finished that book reminded that sometimes the most important steps
are the smallest ones. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am reminded of a Steven Curtis Chapman song I came across recently,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niw-qA1JWeQ" target="_blank">Take Another Step</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are currently struggling in the face of pain and brokenness,
overwhelmed by all that you cannot control, please know you are not alone.
There is help. And no choice need be your last one. Take one step. One thing
you can do to care for yourself well. Do that one thing now. Just that one
thing. Talk to someone. Schedule that appointment with your doctor. Drink a
glass of water. Take a nap. Eat a healthy, balanced meal. Take a walk. Take
another step.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently, I was part of a discussion with some of our members at Arden
about finding ways to help make a real impact on our community—and doing so in
a way that <i>works</i>, not just <i>doing stuff</i>. I’m excited to see where
these discussions lead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am going to be sharing more with you about what I’ve learned and am
learning about our community, and how we can make meaningful and effective
change happen. How we can be part of bringing healing and wholeness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kingdom work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I invite you to do the same. To start, I invite you add discernment
(for yourself and our congregation) to your prayers. Next, listen. Read. Learn
as much as you can about how addiction unfolds in a person’s life. And what
works to prevent or short-circuit it. If you have personal experiences, share
with me or others who are trying to find solutions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May the God of light lead us along a path where we might see clearly
the way to move into health ourselves, and how to lead others into the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental health and addiction issues in West Virginia, call or text 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498) or visit <a href="http://www.help4wv.com/">www.HELP4WV.com</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you are in Maryland, visit <a href="http://www.mdcsl.org/avjsc/csl_hotlines_ci.asp">http://www.mdcsl.org/avjsc/csl_hotlines_ci.asp</a> or call 211.</span></b></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-7759511940855174102016-11-30T12:57:00.000-05:002016-11-30T12:57:02.392-05:00On People Who Support Their Pastors<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was out running Advent and Christmas errands this morning. The sort
of errands which, if I’m lucky, mean I <i>won’t</i>
be running around the week leading up to Christmas. Having all the stuff we
need not only at home, but at church (and, in our case, also camp) for the long
list of events and projects in the month ahead…well…you’ve got to have a plan.
Even with a plan you may hit twice as many stores as you expected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which is, of course, what happened today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the midst of a 3-for-1 stop at Joann Fabrics (the sales clerk
groaned a bit when I explained I needed to ring up my items as three separate
orders), I ran into a former parishioner—someone who knows the life of a pastor
more than most, because of committees she has served on and well, having the
heart for her pastors that some people just <i>do</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All churches have these people. Well, I hope they do. All churches I
have served have had these people. Many of them, in fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These are the people who are grateful for the ways your work takes you
and your family a bit out of the holiday spirit others get to settle more
deeply into. These are the people who do actually understand that even a fun
church event is still work for you. They are the people who recognize that at
church, as kind and accepting as people may truly and genuinely be, your kids
and spouse are also kind of “on.” And they understand that their graciousness
toward you matters, but also that even they can’t make that need to be “on” go
away. And so they cut you and your family some slack. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These are the people who don’t tell you how you should be balancing all
of this. Because they’re pretty confident you’re doing your best. And they do
their best not to make it any harder on you. But they also have high
expectations. Because they know this is your job, and you do it because you
love it, and yes, this is game time. This is why you do this. To tell this
grand story of God incarnate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These people know, however, that as much as you love what you do, it
drains you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That if all you had to do right now was the holiday stuff, that would
be enough. But that the business of church doesn’t stop. Pastoral needs don’t
decrease this time of year—in fact they usually spike. And there’s always—ALWAYS—some
candle crisis around Christmas (it’s in the Bible somewhere too, I’m sure).
These people know that if you do your job even half-well, they will never see
all the proverbial (and yes, sometimes literal) fires you’re putting out
(remember the candles?) just so others can enjoy worship this time of year.
They know the new year is coming quickly, and you’re hustling not only to
prepare for Christmas Eve, but also to get enough done on the next two Sundays
that you might actually get to spend calm time with family some after
Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thank God for these people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pastors know who these people are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>****NOTE: These people are almost never the ones who tell you they are these
people…it’s like humor…if you’ve got it, you don’t need to tell people, “Hey
look, I’m hilarious!” First church I served, the ones who told me how close
they’d always been to the pastor…were the first ones who eventually left (and
caused drama as they did).****</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes all these people do is share a word of gratitude, other times
they pitch in without being asked, but especially if asked. These are the ones
who just by their spirit and bearing and the drama-free space they create
around the pastor, make this time of year not only bearable, but even enjoyable.
These are the people who <i>see</i> the
pastor and their family as people. People just like them, their kids, their
parents, etc. And they do, actually, treat their pastor and family the way they’d
want to be treated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I said goodbye to this former parishioner before we each headed off
to find our required craft supplies, she said, “Make sure you don’t run
yourself too ragged getting ready for Christmas!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Thank God for these people.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-66887943157628589642016-11-29T09:26:00.000-05:002016-11-29T09:35:32.497-05:00Advent, Week One: God Is With Us<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mornings are busy at our house. Well, no more so than for most
households with young children. We live in a rural area—at the end of the
school busy route, no less—and our oldest, Anna, is the first child picked up
by her bus in the mornings. Bright and early. So we too are up bright and early
and have a half hour from when alarms wake us till Anna’s bus pulls up to the
end of our drive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the requisite adherence tour kindergartener’s schedule means our
former flexibility in mornings is gone (daycare has a window for drop off) the
accompanying structure has been good for us. But it has, nonetheless, been an
adjustment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As we began this week, the new year on the church calendar as Advent
begins, I dusted off the booklet of family Advent devotions I purchased last
year in an attempt to help our family find some grounding in the midst of the
Christmas hoopla. Last year our mornings, being less structured and admittedly
a bit more lazy, meant we never could get into routines aside from “Hurry up,
hurry up!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, ironically, the lazier you are, the more you often have to rush.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I hate that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This year, though, I thought we’d try. So we are. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Each morning, as the girls eat a quick breakfast at the dining room
table (it’s clear of piles of <i>stuff</i>
at present, which itself is a feat in our house) we light the Advent candles.
We don’t have an Advent wreath, but somehow ended up with five spare Christmasy candle cups,
which works for us! We light the Advent candle, read the devotion, sing a verse
of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and close with a prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t be too impressed. We’re two days in and a meltdown started over
who got to blow the candle out today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today’s reading included one of the verses (Isaiah 7:14) which gives
Jesus the name “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Years ago, I was asked to summarize the message of the Gospel in one
sentence. I could do it in that one word. That one title: Emmanuel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God is with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
John Wesley is said to have affirmed it in his last words: “The best of
all is God is with us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It is what the Christmas story is about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is what makes Christianity unique amongst world religions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is what we mean when we affirm Jesus’ words that he is the way, the
truth and the life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It can be easy to toss around these verses and songs like “O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel” this time of year without really thinking of their
implications. Of their promise. And their challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I look at the world around me—heck, when I just look at the year
this has been in our own family—I see many times and situations when God felt
far. When It was one thing to affirm God’s presence and power but quite another
to actually believe it. And yet…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I cannot help but be powerfully struck by the ways God showed up.
Showed up in incredible ways. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes God showed up through new opportunities or good news from
doctors. Other times God showed up in the midst of disappointments and fears.
God showed up in the words and support of others, and God showed up when we had
the chance to reach out in love to God’s people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, God shows up on busy mornings. When the morning routine can
spare only three minutes, overlapping with a few bites of a breakfast bar, to
be reminded the God is indeed with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
With us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
With us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How incredible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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May your mornings…and days…be filled with the firm assurance of God’s
presence in the midst of busy-ness. Joy. Devastation. Work. Rest. Play. Love.
Brokenness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God. Is. With. Us.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-51281945433324908742016-08-24T11:37:00.002-04:002016-08-24T11:39:02.497-04:00SARAH’S HEALTHY(ISH) – because that’s what adults are supposed to be doing, even though this admittedly isn’t as tasty – BREAKFAST BURRITOS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The other evening I posted a pic on Instagram and Facebook of a batch
of breakfast burritos I was making to freeze so I could reheat them in the
mornings for breakfast. I bemoaned that this was what adulthood had made me
resort to. Here’s the pic:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL5YZq3wsS_3NMLWK-qbmEfe6kumKJnu-WRsHCh5DT7rhfJIx09F6P-jBayzEv9e3bNMtDhs-XyprOw6Ht8BWzqEOe6p4GVMtTNI4PUlu2BUumsTnjXEVQhfaTYUMcncXNPy29ZlhRrPi/s1600/burritos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL5YZq3wsS_3NMLWK-qbmEfe6kumKJnu-WRsHCh5DT7rhfJIx09F6P-jBayzEv9e3bNMtDhs-XyprOw6Ht8BWzqEOe6p4GVMtTNI4PUlu2BUumsTnjXEVQhfaTYUMcncXNPy29ZlhRrPi/s320/burritos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ironically, some of the rest of you have also fallen prey to the perils
of adulthood and asked for my recipe. Ah, brave, sad souls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But…I’ve of late decided to blog more, and since at present my
highlights of the week are just being frustrated my body won’t cooperate with
100% of whatever I want to eat or do (wah!), well, I’ll spare you that. Well,
let me at least say I went for a therapeutic massage yesterday for my neck,
which since I made the appointment, had greatly improved, but still got tight
at times. You know how they tell you that a good (read: intense) massage can be
to your muscles like a workout (and can make them a bit more sore)? Yeah. Which
was clearly that I needed, right?! But we just keep looking ahead and for
forward progress, even if along the way there are bumps in the recovery. Just
keep repeating that…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So…burritos!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
First of all, I should never be considered a culinary expert. I don’t
even follow recipes well. The being told precisely what to do bugs me. My
husband is very good at following recipes and can make wonderful dishes. And do
so consistently. I’m often more hit or miss. But I often go for simplicity and quantity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
When I need good solid, tasty and basic recipes, there are a few sites
I’ve come to love (we have cookbooks too, which I occasionally use for classic
items—books like Fannie Farmers, The Joy of Cooking and America’s Test Kitchen
stuff):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman (Rea Drummond)</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/" target="_blank">Six Sisters</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/alton-brown/recipes.html" target="_blank">Alton Brown (via The Food Network)</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’d seen the idea of making ahead a batch of breakfast burritos, but of
course didn’t save the link. So when I decided to do it again, I pulled up
recipes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I used <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/breakfast-burritos-to-go/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman recipe</a> as a loose basis, though added the
wrapping-for-freezing instructions I found somewhere else (sorry I don’t recall
where).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So, if you want a good recipe, use <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/breakfast-burritos-to-go/" target="_blank">Rea Drummond’s</a>. Otherwise, here’s
mine (and sorry no snazzy blog recipe pics):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SARAH’S HEALTHY(ISH) – <i>because that’s what adults are supposed to be
doing, even though this admittedly isn’t as tasty</i> – BREAKFAST BURRITOS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
INGREDIENTS:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
12 8-inch tortillas (though mine were overstuffed and prob. 14-16 would
have worked well—16 is how many comes in a Wegmans package)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
14 eggs (because that’s literally what was in my fridge and the spare 2
would go bad soon; but I think 1 per burrito is a good ratio. For real though,
follow your heart)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 red peppers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 green peppers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 large onion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 cups (ish) of breakfast potatoes (either from frozen, or bake a
couple potatoes, dice them and fry them up)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Olive oil, to saute<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Salt and Pepper (to taste…sorry, I have no quantities for you…this is
the art part of it; salt the potatoes well though—they always seem to need more
salt than I think they should)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¼ cup sour cream (figured I’d finish off what was in the fridge)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
½ cup of salsa (I tasted the filling, as any good chef should, and it
needed something, so I pour some salsa in— ½ cup sounds like that’s maybe how
much)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You’ll also need wax paper and foil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
INGREDIENT NOTES:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I was going for healthy here, so I omitted or replaced or otherwise
minded the following things that normal people would want to include (and that
Rea does):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sausage – I replaced with black beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cheese – I know, so sad; I did toss in a bit of sour cream, though I’m
sure they’d be fine without.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’m confident the burritos are yummier with sausage and cheese, and for
kids or adults fine with tanking their health—I’m not judging, but still—you’ll
want to include these. You don’t have to overdo them, even still. Also, be more
mindful of salt you’re adding if you put in cheese and sausage—both of these
bring their own salt to the party. I don’t generally worry about adding salt,
since (1) I know I don’t go crazy with it and (2) most people won’t come nearly
close—like in the same galaxy—adding salt to home cooked and you’ll get in
prepared foods, so even adding salt, you’re prob. Still doing just fine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
DIRECTIONS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dice the peppers and onions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Saute the pepper and onions in a reasonable
amount of olive oil. I tried to do all together, and they got cooked but not
nicely like on Rea’s page. Would prob. Have been better to at least do the
onion and peppers separately. But I was trying to make these just before the
girls’ bedtime, so I was rushing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->While all this is cooking, prep your wrapping.
Place 12 squares(ish) of foil on table or counter, or whatever you’ve got. Put
a piece of wax paper about the same size on top. Then a tortilla on top, in the
middle of each. Why wax paper AND foil? No idea. That’s what a website I found
on Google said. So it must be right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Set peppers and onions aside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Saute potatoes in olive oil, add salt and
pepper. You def. want this pan to be hot so the peppers get crisp some. I had
to take a break just before this (for bedtime) and actually put the pan on a
cold burner and poured the potatoes in to thaw while I was away. Saved me time
later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Once almost done, add black beans. I used
canned, though you could use rehydrated. I don’t think heating them with the
beans actually accomplishes anything. But hey. Why now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Set aside beans and potatoes. If you want to get
a head start on mixing, just add these to the peppers and onions in a big bowl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wisk your eggs, add some water (or not, this is
a random thing I picked up from watching a cooking show) and toss in your pan
to cook scrambled. Be sure you’re using a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.
Though I really shouldn’t have to tell you this at this point. After all, you’re
an adult making healthy food. Also, your pan will likely look funky at this
point. It’s okay. Just don’t scrape too hard when you take the eggs out and the
yucky stuff will stay in the pan (though come our easy with a soak in water).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Just as eggs are solid, removed from heat and
add to all the other stuff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Taste, and add sour cream, salsa (and yes,
cheese) as you desire. Remember your doctor is going to be testing your cholesterol
at some point though. Just don’t blame me, is all I’m saying. You be sure you
tell your doctor that I said no cheese or sausage. What you do from there is on
you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Put a scoop of the complete mixture in the
middle of each tortilla. I had a bit more filling than really worked for 12,
but I went with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wrap your burritos: one side in, then both perpendicular
sides, then roll into the final side. Ok, this is hard to explain. If you don’t
know, Google it. It’s an important life skill (and it takes time to master, so
cut yourself some slack—the burritos will hold together better after being
frozen and microwaved than you think they will at this point).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Roll the burritos in the wax paper, then, wrap
the foil around them securely. I made the mistake at this point of twisting the
ends of the wax paper (like they were fancy breakfast burrito candies!). But
then little bits of wax paper were hard to get out later. So just be careful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Put them in the freezer. I’d suggest not
stacking on top of each other, esp. if the filling was still warm, so they cool
and freeze quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
TO REHEAT<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pick a burrito out of the freezer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Unwrap and remove it from both the foil and the wax
paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Roll it in a full size paper towel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. There are so
many variables in how long this will take, so you’ll just have to troubleshoot
for yourself. I do fine it helpful to rotate it a quarter of the way every 30
second or so in order to get even heating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Eat it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So there, you have it. And also an illustration about why I don’t post
recipes. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But, I am an adult, after all. And apparently this is the sort of stuff
adults do. Posting recipes online and making a dozen burritos at 9 pm on a
Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-66922591173789805962016-08-19T10:59:00.001-04:002016-08-19T11:01:31.580-04:00Living Life Out Loud: Sometimes You Can't Just Snap Out of It On Your Own (and that's okay and you're not alone)<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“…so then last week I went back to my primary care doctor. The
physician’s assistant I saw listened to me and asked questions for a long time.
Like 45 minutes. She told me she thought it would be a good idea if she gave me
a prescription to help with the neck pain for a couple weeks. Then she said that
many of the symptoms I was describing sounded a lot like depression.”</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><i>“And how did you feel about that?”</i><o:p> </o:p></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“I mean, it made sense. I had realized the way I was describing how I
was feeling was how, professionally, I would describe depression: like I was
caught on a merry-go round and couldn’t get off. And I meant that both physically and
emotionally. She asked if I had a counselor. So I told her I had you, and that
just that morning my husband and I had been talking and decided I should
schedule to come back in to see you. I emailed you to make an appointment while
I was sitting in the room with her.”</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><i>“You know what? When I walked out into the waiting room to get you, I
looked at your face, and I thought to myself, ‘She is depressed.’ You can often
see it in a person’s face.”</i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After spending most of that session describing this summer (and even
back into the spring) from hell—a sort of health care odyssey that involved
tests, surgery to remove my gallbladder, and anxieties that mounted which each
day waiting for surgery or each day afterwards when I thought I should be
better than I was—this was where my counselor and I landed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I started seeing this particular counselor when my brother Dan started
struggling with his own mental health issues again in early 2014. I’ve been in counseling on
and off since college, and I’d learned a lot about family systems and mental
illness and diagnosed patients, and well, I figured I could best help myself
and him if I was getting counseling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I often tell people, when I’ve had occasion to have discussions about
health issues, that one of my least favorite medical questions is “Tell me
about your family’s heart history.” Ha. Well, here goes…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It’s not pretty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But an equally challenging question is this, “Tell me about your family’s
mental health history.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Because of my family’s heart history, I know I need to take seriously
eating well, getting (and keeping) my weight down, and exercising. I know that
doing all these things may still not make problems stay away, but given our
genetics, it is foolish to do otherwise. Doesn’t mean I always do them well…but
I know I should.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In the same way, it is foolish to pretend that my body does not carry tendencies
that may make it easier for me to stumble into depression, or, since most
people have down times, perhaps it’s even true to say, may make it harder for
me to snap out of them. And while life experiences (and some really good
counselors over the years) have taught me tools to maintain my emotional health
most of the time without really even being aware of it anymore, sometimes life
collapses on me—as it does on anyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
By the time I was sitting there in my counselor’s office, a week had
passed since my primary care doctor had given me meds to help relieve neck
pain. My body (and yes, probably mind) has taken longer to bounce back from the
summer and my surgery than I would like. And it’s been all too easy to let any physical
symptom get rolled into all the others and try to self-diagnose what’s wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Or turn to Google. The great enemy of having realistic views of any symptom
you’re experiencing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The simple, “You need to rest and let your body heal,” is a terribly
unsatisfying answer (and truth) for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As my counselor told me, part of the challenge is that you cannot
disconnect the body and mind. It is impossible to know for sure which came
first—the body or mind (and that such a distinction was artificial anyway,
really). I was already feeling a ton better—not back to normal—but a different
person than when I’d been at my doctor’s office. The medicine had indeed helped
ease my neck, and, perhaps just naming that I was struggling with the weight of
all of this gave me the clarity and permission to cut myself some slack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’d already starting using the tools I knew I needed when I had to work
more intentionally to stay well. This time, I’d even started using tools my
father did when he was coming off of his diagnosis and hospitalization for
bi-polar depression: things like posting positive, affirming notes (I used
post-it notes) to re-wire the mental messages I’d been telling myself. Instead
of convincing myself I was sick and not better enough, those notes reminded me
what people had told me but I had trouble remembering: my body had been through
a lot—it was strong but just needed patience; I needed to rest, and if being a
mom and a pastor meant I couldn’t rest as much as maybe I really should, then
yes, recovery was going to drag on a bit; that needing rest was a sign my body
knew what it needed, not that it was broken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’ve had occasion, both recently, and throughout my life, to have
conversations with people who have struggled with depression, anxiety and other
mental illnesses. Everyone is different. Bodies are different. Life
circumstances are different. Resources (money, time, relationships) are
different. And all these things shape what treatments are helpful or possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For me, counseling, exercise, and behavioral changes have been
powerfully helpful. Medication, intense psychotherapy, etc., are tools which
have been helpful to so many. All of these can help people get to a place where
they no longer feel caught in a feedback loop. For some, successful treatment
will still mean they work harder day by day to be energized and motivated. What
passes as success and health for one person will look different than it does
for another. We do harm to ourselves and others when we hold expectations which
are unreasonable and simply keep us feeling stuck. This is why we need
professional support—not only to find helpful treatment (sometimes this takes
lots of time—it took my father at least a decade to be solidly stable) but also
to identify what a reasonable and maintainable degree of mental (as with physical)
health looks like for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After Dan’s suicide (because even the best counseling for me couldn’t change
the challenges he faced, and the pain he often overcame with great effort and
strength but could not one night) a song that helped shape how I and my family
wanted to move forward was Rob Thomas’ song “Someday.” It includes the words, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>And maybe someday<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>We'll figure all
this out<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>Try to put an end to
all our doubt<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>Try to find a way to
make things better now and<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>Maybe someday we'll
live our lives out loud<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>We'll be better off
somehow<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>Someday</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This song is powerful to me not only because of Dan’s struggle, but
because of the family system he and I were both tied to. A family
system which for over a decade actively hid my father’s mental illness from so
many--almost everyone. A system which did not live life out loud. People smarter than I could
more accurately assess what went wrong. In my analysis, though, keeping secrets
is a burden no one can bear long. Keeping secrets which prevent you from
getting support you need can (well, definitely will) make you more and more
unhealthy. And keeping those secrets makes all of us feel more and more alone—like
we’re the only ones struggling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So I decided after Dan’s suicide I was going to live my life out loud,
try to throw a bit of light, even when much of what I learned and practiced for
many years screams at me to keep it shut up. I want to do this for myself, for
my husband and kids (who I don’t ever want to feel like they can’t confide in
someone when I am having a rough time, or God forbid if they ever are) and for
others, who maybe think they’re alone, or broken, that it’s they’re fault (especially
if they’ve been told stupid things by other pastors or church folks, like just
pray harder, or that struggling is a sign of spiritual weakness).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
To be sure, my faith journey and spiritual disciplines are important
ways I stay grounded and healthy. But they are just part of the tools God has
surrounded me with. The tools God has provided for all of us to be whole and
healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For me, I remain committed to regular professional care (I love my
counselor, and heck, I’d see her every day, but that seems excessive) and my
body is indeed still physically recovering from surgery and my doctors are
keeping a close eye in case anything else needs physical treatment or care
going forward. I still get tired more easily than I’d like, but for the first
time in my adult life, am trying to listen to that feeling and not just power
through (people tell me I’ll come to enjoy naps, though now I mostly resent
them). And it ain’t for nothing that experts are increasingly learning about
the connection between mind and gut—stupid gallbladder. After all, you cannot
separate your mind and body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This Sunday, I’m preaching on the lectionary Gospel (Luke 13:10-17)
about Jesus healing the woman, “who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen
years. She was bent over and couldn’t stand up straight.” While her healing is
clearly a miracle—Jesus lays hands and says the words, “Woman, you are set free
from your sickness”—it is important to note, I think, that Jesus doesn’t just tell
her to walk it off. Shake it off. Mind over matter, you know. Jesus provides
the tools she needs to return to health. For her it was his hands and words.
For me it has been different tools these past few months. For you it may be different still.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
God calls us to—and offers us—healing and wholeness. And there are many
tools to do so. You are not alone. You are not uniquely broken. We are, all of
us—every single one of us—broken. And some seasons are more difficult than
others. Sometimes we can walk through difficult seasons—walk through fires—seemingly
unscathed. Other times, there are mountains we cannot cross under our own
power. Mountains even the Little Engine That Could couldn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But healing and wholeness lie ahead of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Therefore, let us lay aside our shame, our pain, our isolation, and
find ways to support each other along the journey, encourage each other to find
the tools and treatments which will lead us to greater healing and wholeness,
and yes, the faith and strength that only God can give which can up gird us in
our darkest moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Let us live our lives out loud.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-61701862266444977802016-06-09T09:53:00.002-04:002016-06-09T10:01:09.280-04:00On Unintended Consquences<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yesterday the theater teacher at a local high school committed suicide.
The official posts were characteristically vague. The comments and private
posts spoke of a battle with depression lost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I know those words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Those were <a href="http://bwcumc.org/obituaries-july-9-2014-rev-daniel-andrews/" target="_blank">the same words</a> we wrote when my brother Daniel committed
suicide two years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Recently my husband and I worked our way through the series <i>Band of Brothers</i>. It tells the story of
one unit of men fighting in the US army during World War II, on the European
front. Many things were striking to me about the stories told, but one thing
that kept coming back to me was how quickly actions and decisions had to be
made—and often resulted in unintended outcomes. Unintended consequences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I cannot imagine being fired upon constantly for days, weeks, even, at
a time. I don’t know how you make anything approaching reasoned decisions under
such pressure. That any such decisions <i>were </i>made with intention is remarkable.
That some decisions and actions led to injury, brokenness, and yes, even death,
is, well, the nature of battle. Of war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If “war” had a sub-title, perhaps it would be “unintended consequences.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Indeed, modern warfare techniques—precise weapons, increasing reliance
on relationships and negotiations, etc.—seem thus geared to decreasing the
chances of unintended consequences. But unintended consequences, to some
extent, are the nature of human life. And as in warfare, perhaps all we can
really do is lower their occurrence, not eliminate them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After Dan’s suicide, I, as did many others, reflected on so many
interactions I’d had with Dan. I asked questions like “Why?” and “What if…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I had this sense that if I found the right pieces and figured out the
path to him getting to that night…well I’m not really sure what I thought it
would do. But I craved an order to it all. I wanted to know how we could have
stopped him. I don’t even think I needed to know who to blame—blame is rarely
concerned with actual facts, and there were plenty of people, including myself,
around to blame.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Except, of course Dan. Whom I was most angry at. Because in the end,
while many of us may have been part of unintended consequences in his life, he
held the final say in what was, to some very sad and misguided extent, an
<i>intended </i>consequence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I read a lot about suicide after Dan’s death. Much that I wish I had
known beforehand. I wish I had understood that for most people, suicide doesn’t
come at the bottom of a downward spiral. For many it comes as they start
getting better. As my counselor said, the most severely depressed people often lack the
motivation to do anything about it. That most people who attempt suicide are
not decided that suicide is their only option (you’d think they would be, but
we know from those who survive attempts this is not usually true). The most prevalent
feeling they have is ambivalence. Which is scary. A human being can be moved to
take their own life out of ambivalence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As I learned all this I am ashamed to admit I realized there are far
more unintended consqeunces than I imagined.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
At the same time, there are also so many more opportunities to invite people to healing and wholeness than I imagined.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I also learned as I read, then, that while there are <a href="http://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention-helping-someone-who-is-suicidal.htm" target="_blank">many things you can do</a> to
help someone who is feeling suicidal (and DO these things, don’t put them off
or wait for someone else to help someone you love) as with war, and as with
life, you cannot always predict outcomes. I read of two mothers who tried to
help teen children struggling with severe depression. One mother had her
daughter committed to receive good regular care. The other mother didn’t want
to make her daughter angrier than she already was, so she cared for her at
home, trying to give her space. Both daughters took their own lives. Which
mother, then, did the right thing? Which did the wrong thing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Clearly life (and death) are more complicated than one decision. Even
when the result of one key decision, a whole lifetime of patterns and decisions…and
yes, unintended consequences…pave the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’ve reflected on unintended consequences as well in the wake of the
UMC’s recent General Conference, and the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s
Annual Conference last week. After the Executive Session (clergy only) of the
BWC declined to approve T.C. Morrow, a candidate for provisional deacon (and a woman married to another woman), by a
narrow margin. As soon as the vote happened, and in the days which have
followed, I’ve heard (and been part of) many different “What If…” discussions.
We seem sure with a tweak here or there, we would have come away with a
different outcome. We may not know whether such an outcome would be better or
worse (surely some outcomes could be either) but we worry about unintended consequences.
We struggle with all that we can’t control. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Which is people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
People are the things we can’t control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So actually there’s a whole lot we can’t control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Basically everything but ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And that’s darn frustrating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Because we often can’t even do that well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I wish we could look at any situation in life—and life in general—and say,
“If only I had…” And know for sure the right answers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
To some extent those reflections are healthy and helpful. We can grow
and change—this is our conviction as followers of Jesus Christ. We can be more
faithful today than we were yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And yet that does not protect us from unintended consequences (or, God
forbid, intended consequences).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We are called to be our best selves. To be faithful in the times and
places God has located us. To reflect Christ in all we do. To stop trying so
hard to control others, but also not letting ourselves be held captive. By
saying we are sorry when our words or actions hurt others—but also not being
bullied by those who define our lives (but usually not their own) by the unintended
consequences of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So I don’t know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I don’t know how to fix it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I am quite sure I cannot fix it all. Maybe not even most of it. Or some. Or any.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And I am not sure I could have fixed it before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But this I call to mind,<br />
and therefore I have hope:<br />
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,<br />
his mercies never come to an
end;<br />
they are new every morning;<br />
great is your faithfulness.<br />
<i>(Lamentations 3:21-23 NRSV)</i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But this I DO know...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
YOU are not an unintended consequence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You are a beloved child of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I need you. We need you. You need me. And we need God to draw us
together in to a community with far greater grace and intention and love than
any of us are capable of on our own<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-70012811440660214542016-06-07T09:55:00.000-04:002016-06-07T09:55:03.707-04:00Rest<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This morning I’m back in the office after what seems like eons away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last week was Annual Conference, the yearly gathering of clergy and lay
delegates from United Methodist churches throughout the Baltimore-Washington
Conference. It was a good time. It was a hard time. It was packed. I am tired.
Worn, is perhaps more accurate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This past Sunday was a wonderfully packed and joyous day as we welcomed
Pastor Kathy back with us, celebrated just about everything we had to celebrate
(graduates, children’s ministry leaders, choir, kids going to church camp). And
it was communion Sunday. And our missions team hosted a cook out and ice cream
social. It was an awesome Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yesterday, we had Trustees and Church Council. Yes, I sat in three
hours of meetings, but they were Spirit-filled meetings and we did lots of good
work, work and discussions about God calling us to new things and to growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It’s been a long stretch though, and I am still regrouping. Some days—some
weeks—are like that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
One of my seminary preaching professors spoke about the importance of
fallow ground in preparing a sermon. In order to have something to say, you
have to not only research, write, pray, but you need it to rest. You need to
step back and let the Spirit work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All of ministry is like that sometimes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In the creation accounts, God is busy for 6 days, then rests. RESTS.
God. God did that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Surely we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sometimes (as well it ought) that rest is the true Sabbath God commands
us. Some days, it is simply taking it slow, settling back in, and being at peace
with not keeping a fervent pace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
God did that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Surely we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So today I try to ease back into things after not only this past week,
but the previous weeks of General Conference (noteworthy for our family as
Chris was away at GC for 2 weeks), and the impending summer camp season which
always seems to find a way to be overwhelming even before it begins.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sometimes in the midst of the busiest seasons, it is both the hardest
and the most vital space to make for ourselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Go get yourself some rest. Especially if you are sure you have no time for it. Because surely, then, you need it. Because God made you that way. Go, dear friends, find rest.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791572034221405496.post-15760931336613607132016-05-10T10:11:00.002-04:002016-05-10T10:11:44.740-04:00Come, Sit Beside Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Baltimore-Washington Conference, 2007.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Incidentally, held at the Marriott Wardman Park (Washington, DC), where
this year’s session will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I had been a provisional elder (back then we were still called ON
PROBATION) for a couple years. Long enough to be sure I knew everything. Not
long enough to have sufficient good sense to temper my, eh, forthrightness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You know those people who go to the microphone too much?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yes, that was me that year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’m not saying that’s not me other times. But it was definitely me that
year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I—I kid you not—am pretty sure I asked a point of order of the Bishop
(Bishop John Schol).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yeah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I know, right? But at least I’m owning up to it. Oh, and by the way,
sorry, everyone, for 2007. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After I think my third trip to the microphone in probably the first two
days, my father simply said to me at break, “Why don’t you come sit beside me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You see, I’d been all worried about just being seen as Rick Andrews’
kid that I had wanted to establish my own space. I was sitting a couple
sections over from him. My father and I were very different people. For many
reasons. It’s always a bit surprising to me (but I suppose I’ve gotten more
used to it) that people tell me how much of my father they see in me. Like many
parents and kids, I suspect, our relationship was often most about our
differences. I also think it takes some pretty special people (and our colleagues
are clearly just that) to see a father’s image in his daughter—our culture I
think has a harder time with that one than a mother and daughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So I sat beside Dad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And wouldn’t you know it, the urge to get up and go to the microphone quickly
waned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My father never told me not to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I suspect there was something about knowing he might, but also
something about being alongside someone with a bit more experience, a bit more perspective.
Someone to learn from. Be sarcastic with (I really don’t know how I’d survive
any church conference without humor and sarcasm).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I have had the opportunity to sit beside Dad at other times, and also
to sit beside many other mentors and elders thus far. Whether in local church ministry,
denominational meetings, parenting, you name it. I have grown so very much from
those sitting-beside-times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sitting beside allows us to learn from those with more experience—and less
experience. Sitting beside leads to conversation both ways. It deters talking
AT the other person. It inspires connection and relationship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last summer, as I was part of the VERY VERY SERIOUS GROUP 4 at Pastors’
School in Zimbabwe, I was also able to sit beside some powerful and gifted
people. The very first day, as we all separated into our groups, my group
grabbed chairs from the chapel and circled up outside the back door of the
chapel. It was a popular site, since it was in the sun, and July is winter in Zimbabwe.
As I first sat, the pastors around me spoke and joked with each other in Shona
as we got settled. I had tried my level best to learn a bit of Shona in the few
months since I’d known I would be with them, but it simply wasn’t enough time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As our group began to focus on the discussion questions at hand, a
pastor (with a bit of ribbing from others) took pity on me and scooted close.
He came to sit beside me. And he translated for me. Through the remaining days,
various others would do the same. Our group developed the rule that they would
speak in English if they felt comfortable (all knew English, but as with
anything, their comfort levels varied—and hey, we all prefer our native tongue)
and otherwise, whoever sat closest to me would be changed to translate. And let’s
be honest—some sessions people tried not to be the ones sitting next to me). <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But always someone sat beside me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And in many ways, the entire group sat beside me. And I beside them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I learned of the ways we are similar—like how humor and sarcasm are
needful parts of any church conference. How we are all trying to wrestle with
how to make Jesus Christ’s good news relevant in a rapidly changing world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I learned some ways we are different. How deep poverty can shape the
church’s work in ways which aren’t limited to a few communities, but spread
across an entire nation. How old cultural rules about marriage—in Zimbabwe it’s
plural marriage—create very real challenges for a faith tradition which does
not accept such practices (and what that means for those already in it). How pastors
offering dramatic faith healing and sudden experiences of God can challenge our
best efforts at helping people understand the importance of a constant, growing
path of discipleship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Come to think of it, maybe we are more similar than we might think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Perhaps we need to sit beside each other more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My earnest prayer is that the next two weeks, as delegates from United
Methodist Churches around the world gather for General Conference in Portland,
Oregon, will be a powerful time sitting beside each other. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As the rest of us watch from afar, I hope those present will endeavor
not so much to talk at as to talk with each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It has been a great honor to have been part of our larger delegation
from the Baltimore-Washington Conference. As a jurisdictional delegate, though my
work will happen in July in Lancaster, I have been honored to sit beside some
amazing people who are there in Portland beginning their work today as our delegates
from the BWC. I know them to be earnest, prayer-filled, faithful disciples of
Jesus Christ who firmly rely on scripture to discern God’s leading, using the
Wesleyan tools of reason, tradition and experience to help focus in on God’s
guidance in scripture. I look forward to hearing more about the conversations
they will have as they sit beside delegates from places like Zimbabwe, Texas,
Maine, Finland, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I invite you to join me in prayer for our United Methodist General Conference—both
for their decisions, but also the ways in which the do their work. That they
may do it sitting beside each other. And in so doing, embodying the love for
each other which Jesus calls us to.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150873124866687665noreply@blogger.com1