Persistent through winter’s slog
It hugs the ground in determination.
Preparing to respond when sun and light invite,
An awakening of consequential manifestation.
Producing some of the season’s first blooms
As if emerging from a tomb.
Providing hope and promise consistent
With a forgiven penitent pilgrim.
It is the Lenten Rose.
Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32 NRSV)
When I worked in conflict mediation in congregational settings I learned that in the absence of truth, people quickly made up their own truth. In other words, unless the congregation’s leaders were willing to be honest about whatever the conflict issue was, congregants were quick to supply their own version of events. This version, whether it was accurate or not, then became “truth” to those who adhered to it. It is always better, even if things are ugly or messy, to share the truth than try and shield others from it. Those who bury or hide the truth from others will usually wish they hadn’t. Once an “untruth” has taken form and set up like finished concrete, it’s pretty difficult to dislodge.
I’m thinking about this, as well as the maxim so often ascribed to Jesus – “The truth will set you free” – because in our world today it seems to me “truth” has become a rare commodity. Perhaps this has always been the case to some extent among those who seek to manipulate and maneuver people into their way of thinking or toward adoption of their agenda. But it seems that the disregard for truth, in favor of lies, untruths, partial truths or “my own truth”, has exponentially multiplied in contemporary society. Political leaders unashamedly espouse untruths repeatedly to gain favor with the electorate. Elected officials acquiesce to parsing words over versions of the truth. Even religious leaders look the other way when it comes to the propulsion of truth’s missiles being lobbed and landed.
Continue readingThe entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters! (Romans 8:19 TPT)
Do you remember what it’s like to stand on tiptoe? Perhaps you’ve done it recently, trying to reach something that was just a bit beyond your height? Or, maybe, your tiptoe moment was related to craning your posture to see around an obstacle for a better view.
We took our grandsons to the Christmas parade last weekend. It was 90 minutes of standing on tiptoe in various ways. I watched as they stood on tiptoe to see the next float, entry, band or vehicle move past. They stood on tiptoe in expectation of candy being dropped into their bags. They stood on tiptoe to see over the protective fence barrier, to see past the people next to them, and to see beyond the current parade exhibit to the one that was coming after it.
This time of year is akin to “standing on tiptoe” for children and adults. There is a lot of hype about Christmas with it’s glitz and glitter, promise of presents and wonder. Our culture does much to promote this sensory experience of the tiptoe stance. Christmas Hallmark and other movies, big sales in stores and online, programs at church and school, light spectacles and experiences – these are all tiptoe aligned encounters. We live in a world marketed direct at your tiptoes! Even the grinchiest among us may on occasion acquiesce and give rise to the peer pressure that is directed toward the end of their feet.
Continue readingFiled under Christian Faith, Holy Days, Hope, Ministry, Uncategorized, What I Am Learning
I Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NRSV) How do you feel about that admonition?
It’s important to read and hear it within the context of Paul’s final words to the church at Thessalonica. He has spent some time offering them encouragement, commending their faith and faith practices, and speaking about coming days. It’s a very pastoral letter in tone and content, sent to a group of Christ followers whom Paul obviously loves. He’s just received a report of them from Timothy and he wants to speak into their lives as a spiritual father and guide.
In his final exhortations, from which the aforementioned verse 18 appears, Paul speaks to this community of faith with strong words of guidance: “respect those who labor among you”, “admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them” . . . . “always seek to do good to one another and to all.” “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing” – then comes “give thanks in all circumstances”. This is quite a list of encouragements, is it not?
I cannot help but read and hear these words in the context of our own day. Here in the post-election postmortem, when some are giddy and happy, and some are completely deflated and discouraged; Paul’s words ring to me like a clarion call to the Church and it’s members. We can be reminded that we are a “fellowship of differents” (to quote Scot McKnight) who are called to put aside our different opinions and perspectives for the common good of gospel news and mission, among which is living as a thankful people.
Wouldn’t you agree that society finds itself in need of those who’s song of the heart is thanksgiving? Living, serving, engaging with others from a place of gratitude (graciousness, generosity, kindness) is akin to bringing the refreshment of a cold cup of water to the dry, thirsty, parched climate of today’s culture. Just as Paul knew that the Christ followers of Thessalonica would more greatly effect change and draw others to Christ’s mission from a posture of thanksgiving, it seems the same is still likely.
In my ministry conversations these days I encounter people who are weary of negativity and finger pointing. Sure, there are plenty who share their agreement or disagreement with the loudly proffered dictates of political leaders. And God bless them for having faith in politics! But I find the more genuine expressions of hope are wrapped not in bluster or anger, revenge or exclusion – no they are packaged in something that feels more like what Paul advises: continuous prayer, constant thanksgiving, pointed encouragement and persevering faith. Faith, not in the powers and principalities of this world, but faith in the Prince of Peace and God of Creation – and re-creation.
In it’s best iterations the Church has known how to function as a bigger tent, welcoming those of differing opinions and expressions of faith; while somehow encompassing the capacity to “do good” and “speak truth in love” and “be thankful”. My opinion is that we could really use the Church getting back to that place, once again finding it’s voice and it’s capacity to both love and embrace people who come in such complex and varied wrappings.
So here’s to both thinking and living “thankful” thoughts, in all circumstances. Searching, seeking and finding a reason to offer gratitude, generosity, kindness, compassion, empathy, hope and promise rooted in a life-changing faith in Christ Jesus to a hurting and, yes, sometimes hurtful world.
Happy Thanksgiving 2024!
Filed under Christian Faith, Holy Days, Hope, Ministry, Uncategorized, What I Am Learning
In case you haven’t noticed we are living in a period of history when there is a good deal of negativity. Perhaps that’s not too different from other times, but this is our time and so it’s notable. I hear it in people’s words when they say things like, “I don’t like the way things are going . . . (fill in the blank: at work, in our country, with the church, etc.)” We hear it in the news media – one report after another of “bad” news. We see it in the behaviors and countenance of others. Seems to me the world – or at least the part of it that I see regularly – is in a rather grumpy mood. Some people are trying to capitalize on this by stirring up even more negativity, projecting violence onto others, or just being difficult to be around.
So, what to do? What is our response, particularly as people of “Good News”, to life in such a negative climate? While I am no expert in this field, over the past few years I’ve tried to adopt some personal behaviors and live by some decisions that help me stay positive in this negative environment. Do I succeed all the time? No, but I offer these steps to you, here, in hopes they might prompt your own decisions and actions of positive preservation.
Continue readingFiled under Christian Faith, Hope, Ministry
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