Hello everyone
Here is my 25th Reflection which was in my church E-news today. I hope you all enjoy it.
The picture is special. Some of you know I published a book on my cancer journey titled “Life is Short: Eat the Donut!” One example of the goodness of the people in my church is that one of our members, Carol Youngblood, a nurse, marathon runner, and a great person besides, made this blanket for me! I took it to all of my book signings before COVID and cannot wait to use it again! This is the kind gestures that mean so much!
Recently in a sermon, Pastor Dennis said something that resonated with me. “If your path is difficult it is because your purpose is bigger than you thought.”
This hit me like a ton of bricks. I think of all the people in this wonderful congregation. Because we are small, caring, and intertwined, we do know some of the obstacles each of us have had. We have supported each other through losing spouses and loved ones, serious health issues like kidney transplants and cancer, losing jobs from the pandemic, experiencing prejudice because of who we love, and on and on. One of our serious deep thinking members said we are not “Sunday” Christians sitting in the pew taking in a sermon, but we try to practice our faith every day.
I am constantly amazed at all the missions we do for both each other and outside of our church. All one has to do is ask and our church responds. But the purpose we share is even deeper than that. Recently, during the election, we presented a video on how to vote as part of the United Church of Christ’s mission. We care about what is going on in the world, which is reflected in our sermons and discussions. My sister and I have often remarked to each other that it would be easier not to care so much. I am sure we all know people who are unconcerned with floods, fires, climate change, social injustice, and hunger, because after all, it does not affect them.
But not one of us can live like this and we choose not to. We are part of a greater denomination of the United Church of Christ worldwide, which takes a lot of hits for our attempts to promote social justice. It is hard for every one of us. But I am convinced we all know our purpose is bigger than any one of us individually. We are special because of that. I cannot imagine not being involved and thank you all for teaching me how! The Bible reminds us of this in this verse from Luke.
Luke 12:48 “Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” (CEB)