A Letter to Rose #3: Christmas

My dearest goddaughter, Rose,

It's almost Christmas time- your very first! It is going to be one of the best Christmases for all of us since you're here with us. I want to tell you a story. . . it's not about Santa or the Grinch or even that little guy from the movie with the leg lamp (ask your Daddy about that one). It's about Jesus. 

A long, long time ago when the world was groaning in a pain and sin, not unlike today actually, God sent a message to a young girl named Mary. The message was that she would become pregnant and have a son and he would be called Jesus which means "he saves." Now this was not news that made the morning papers.  It was not news that one would find on CNN or MSNBC or even Fox. This was news that was meant for the poor and lowly, it was news that threatened those in power. It was controversial and yet at the same time it was joyous, hopeful, and dangerous too. 

Mary was not even married yet, which in her day was an absolute scandal, not like today where no one bats an eyelash about such situations. However, in Mary's day she could have stoned to death for being pregnant out of marriage so this was very serious. She was betrothed, that means she was promised to someone for marriage. His name was Joseph and he was older than her. It took an angel to come to him to convince him not to just let her go, to leave her in shame and in danger, but that angel convinced him that this child was indeed God's child. This child was the promised One of Israel. So Joseph took Mary and married her and the child was born far away from home in a town called Bethlehem because the couple had business there that had to be tended to.

The danger was not over though, Rose. Jesus was not born in a nice, sterile hospital with a gift shop like you were. Oh no, he was born in a stable. You know what that is, right? A barn! (If you ever hear your mama say, "Rose, were you born in a barn?" You can always tell her, "No, but Jesus our Savior was!") Jesus' delivery was a dangerous situation. He could have died out there in that strange town in that barn full of animals. But God protected him because he was to be the One to save his people from sin, death and the power of the devil. Joseph then had a dream which told him that the danger was far from over. . . he was to take Mary and Jesus and get out of town and go to the country of Egypt to wait out the danger. The King called Herod was on a rampage, he wanted that baby king to be killed so he killed every baby he could put his hands on. Horrific isn't it? But Jesus was spared thanks to divine intervention. 

There is more to the story, of course, but we get to that in due time. For now I just wanted you to know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus. He is the reason, because through his life, death and resurrection Christ has given us everything that is important! He has given us a relationship with the Creator, salvation from our sins and life eternal when we pass forward. 

I can't wait to see you again! Remember I love you and God loves you! 

Merry Christmas Sweetie,

Aunt Amy

In the "Mean"time

Zephaniah 3:14-20

¹⁴Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! ¹⁵The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. ¹⁶On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. ¹⁷The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing ¹⁸as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. ¹⁹I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. ²⁰At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.

The news this past week is extremely sad and horrifying. For many it begs questions about theodicy, or why does God allow evil in the world? There are no good or satisfying answers to that question for sure. The only way I can wrap my brain around it is to understand that God created humanity in freedom, which unfortunately means that some human beings totally disregard the existence of God at all; they do not hold life to be precious and commit atrocities against others in their fear, anger and extreme brokenness. We can name in our own lifetime half a dozen examples: 9/11, Virginia Tech, Columbine and the list goes on. And each and every time it happens we are stunned, horrified and heartbroken. And so is God.

Our God is a god who knows and understands our grief, confusion, anger and horror! He weeps with us as we weep for the dead and injured. His heart is broken over the brokenness of humanity, and it's been that way since the garden of Eden. It's been that way since the first brother murdered the second brother. 

Back in Egypt when God’s people were bound in slavery and oppression, when the kind knew nothing of Joseph and his clan, Pharaoh murdered as many Hebrew baby boys as he could get his hands on. He feared the way they were multiplying, he was anxious that they would one day take over his kingdom. One was saved, Moses, and he led God’s people out of slavery and into the promised land. God made a way where there was no way. (Please hear very clearly that I am not implying that the other infants were less important than Moses. . . only that God used a horrific situation and made something out of it, something that in the end freed a people.)

In Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, King Herod ordered all baby boys under the age of two to be killed, because he feared  the magi's report of a new king which he thought threatened his power and way of life. St. Luke writes about the mothers who clung to their dead babies bodies as they wept in horror and grief.  But one was saved, the promised One, Jesus the Christ. God made a way where there was no way. 

The TV seems better left off if you want to have any peace at all these days: 22 children in China slashed with a knife on Friday; in Sandusky not long ago 2 children and their mother were murdered by an ex-convict who had just finished serving a 15+ year prison term for the same crime; in Vermillion an 18 month old was left to die of starvation; baby girls in China are slaughtered for being female and being the second child in a family; and in Newtown CT, 20 Kindergartners and 6 brave teachers were killed by a crazed gunman. 

There is a war on children. There has always been a war on children. There will continue to be a war on innocent life until the last days, when Jesus comes again and the old kingdom of this earth passes away. Until then, in the meantime we live in the MEAN time. It is mean and nasty and filled with terror, not everyday thanks be to God, but far too often to be sure! For the moment, we as God's children are called to be advocates to all children, to speak out and act out on behalf of those who are most precious to Jesus. Jesus made it very clear that children were a priority for him: he called them to his lap, he urged people to believe like they did, he knew they were precious and in need of protection. Perhaps he would have said it that way too: There is a WAR on children.

Our hope and consolation in times like this is that we know with certainty that God is with these families: Jesus our Emmanuel is certainly One who fully understands the horror, fear and pain of violence and murder, having experienced it firsthand. Christ is with the community of Newtown, with the families in China and with all those who suffer at the hands of violent, malevolent, cowards who neither love God nor fear him. We live in a world filled with people who are dark, who are plagued with fear and doubt and are susceptible to the evil one. But still, in this Third Week of Advent,  we are called to rejoice.. . called to hope, called to love, called to be people of peace in a world of violence, hate and terror. 

Advent promises us a new beginning, but still it is ONLY a promise so far-- we are not there yet. We continue to wait and watch for Christ's return when all will be made new, when there will be no more crying and pain, no more murder and violence. But we aren't there yet. The prophet Zephaniah proclaims God’s good news to us in the face of our enemies. Our enemies will be taken away. We shall fear no more. We will be renewed in love and brought HOME! Home is where God is. Home is where Jesus dwells. For now he dwells within our hearts and for the meantime that simply has to be enough. 

God's peace to you and his comfort and joy as well!

ACL

Blue Jeans= Relax!

This past Wednesday during our first Midweek Advent Service of the season I led worship in blue jeans. Levis to be exact. It's not about the blue jeans, really, its about being relaxed I think.

Just the day before I went to Physical Therapy for the first time in my life, though in college I spent every day in the Athletic Training room. The presenting problem? I threw my sacroiliac out AGAIN! I truly think that this happens when I get so frenzied, so busy, so stressed with all the balls I have in the air that something in my body says, "No more! Slow down or I WILL slow you down." Then I hobble around in excruciating pain for six days, icing, resting, taking the requisite pain relievers, only to start up again when I am mobile. So here I was lying on the PT's exam table as she is trying to get a reflex from my foot or ankle (I don't know what she was doing!) and she kept saying, "Relax. Relax. Relax!" Apparently I wouldn't give her what she wanted which was a relaxed foot. Then she said, "You need to learn to relax." To which I quipped, "Yes, I've been told that." We both chuckled.

So in act of relaxation (not defiance mind you) I wore a sweater and blue jeans to worship for the very first time in over 10 years! 15 if you count seminary. Know what I think? I think everyone else was a bit more relaxed as well. We had a lovely service of compline, we breathed deeply and exhaled out all of the stress together, and it was a beautiful quiet, peace-filled evening of worship.

So what do you think? What means relaxation to you? Is it a particular way of dressing? Is it music? Is it ___________? And further, do you think that worship ought to be more relaxed, or at least occasionally? Or does that bother you?

Have a very relaxing Friday, even if you are working, and a blessed first Sunday of Advent!

acl

Getting Back in the Practice

Over the summer I fell out of my normal routine of working out at least an hour every day. The reason was that I hurt my back and after about five trips to chiropractor it began to heal and stay in alignment. I lost all of the conditioning I had built up and it was pretty significant. The old adage, "use it or lose it" is so true, especially when it comes to being in shape physically. I recently read where if an athlete takes more than a two week break from training then they are basically starting all over again. Back to square one in their conditioning. Two weeks isn't very long in my book; sometimes two weeks flies by so quickly that it seems like a single day. So anyway, I've been back to my routine for about two weeks now and every P90X workout brings on newly sore muscles. Those muscles that were in tune to the workout are now being challenged to spring back into shape. It's tough. . . the older I get, the harder it gets but I feel so much better when I commit myself to working out everyday.

Yesterday I was feeling a bit tired, mentally, physically and spiritually fatigued. I was at a meeting out of town with two colleagues, one of which had to leave to go lead a noon worship service of Holy Communion. We decided to stay and worship because we knew we needed the break, the refreshment, the renewed connection with Christ. It was a quiet worship, only a dozen or so in attendance, but it was so peace-full. There was time to sit and talk to God. There was time to sit and listen. (And I didn't have to be in charge; I didn't have to make everyone feel at home; I didn't have to make sure everything was where it needed to be; I didn't have to think, I had the joy of just "being.") It was wonderful to get to practice just "being" for a time yesterday. So often the rush and pace of life prevents me from settling down and practicing what I know will truly bring renewal and refreshment. I make time to work out. . . to be in that sort of practice. . . I sometimes forget to make time for the other kind of practice.

How about you? Do you devote time to just "being" with God? Do you allow yourself the luxury, no the discipline, no the necessity of spending precious moments with our Savior? What gets in the way of such practice, because we know it's vital to our survival?! Will our spiritual muscles get flabby if we fail to put them into practice? From my own experience I would say, "yes."

Here's what works for me, and feel free to comment on what works for you so that all the readers of STS can benefit from your experience: I walk my dog, Martin Luther, just about every day. We go for one hour which is about 3.5 miles. This is the time I devote to Christ. I ask him to be with me by saying these words that indicate my assent to his presence, "Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy." I focus on breathing in the Spirit and exhaling the toxic stuff of my thoughts, fears and anxieties. It is my prayer practice. It works for me very well. It pulls me back to my grounding in Jesus and allows my day to go smoother, more grace-full. It changes me each morning into the person Christ would like me to be- okay so it's not a full change, I'm still simul justis et peccator, but you get the idea.

So seriously, what works for you? How are you doing on your practice? What keeps you from practicing?

May God bless your work and play, prayer and solitude, family time and rest. Amen.

A Letter to Rose: #2 Saints

This is the second letter in an ongoing series of letters to my niece who is also my goddaughter. She is the first child in my family that I had the joy of baptizing (I say "I" but I really mean that I got to pour the water and say the words and God did the real work since I can't do anything even remotely close to resembling what God does in baptism).

November 5, 2012

Dear Rose,

Yesterday was All Saints Sunday in church. That’s a day when we remember all of the faithful people who have died in the past year. We light a candle and read their names and we talk about the promise of Christ’s resurrection. It is always very moving for people, especially if they have had a loved one die recently. 

There are a few people in your family, Rose, that you will never meet because they had their resurrection time before it was your time to be born. They are still your people though! Most importantly your paternal grandmother, your daddy’s mama. None of us ever had the privilege of meeting her because she died when before your mommy and daddy met. Also, your paternal grandfather, your daddy’s dad who died not long ago, but again before you were born. (Maybe you crossed paths in heaven before you came to us??) Ask your daddy about them when you get older. Have him tell you stories about who they were and what they were like because it is a window into who your dad is and who you are too. 

Then there are the people on your mommy’s side, those I know because I am married to your mommy’s brother. There was your great-grandmother Anna Stull who your cousin is named after. Oh how they loved her! She was funny and sweet and smart. That’s grandpa Little’s mother. Grandma Little’s mother was great-grandma Marian Hoskins. She used to give your cousins stuffed animals that she won at bingo. Ask your mama about them because they are your people too and they will show you part of who you are. 

You are very lucky, little one, to have your Grandma and Grandpa Little. You have a special relationship with Grandma Little because your first name is part of her name (just like with your middle name was your daddy’s mama’s name). It is so neat to be named after someone; my middle name was my grandma’s first name. But I’m telling you from experience that your grandma and grandpa are the best! They love you so much and you give them such joy. So here’s my advice little girl, when you get old enough to read this letter ask them questions about their lives. Ask them questions about growing up, how hard it was, what they liked to do, where they met (back in junior high!!) and what it was like to be parents to your mommy. You will find out a lot about who you are when you talk to them and hear their stories. 

The saints in our lives (and you are a saint young lady by virtue of your baptism) give us so much. They love us, they encourage us to be faithful followers of Christ, they look out for us and help us grow in faith, love and service to the world. Hearing their stories strengthens us for the journey of faith and reminds us where we have come from and who we are. You are surrounded by wonderful people, Rose, so take advantage of their experiences as you grow into who God has created you to be.

I love you sweetheart,

Aunt Amy

Congregational Care for Clergy: Reducing Vocational Burnout

Congregational Care for Clergy: Reducing Vocational Burnout

by Rev. Amy C. Little, M.Div, D.Min

Clergy burnout is a serious issue that is acknowledged by pastors, denominational leaders and congregations alike, however, the onus of responsibility for preventing it seems to be placed solely upon the individual pastor.  There is no disputing that pastors could do a better job concerning self care, setting boundaries, taking days off and using vacation and continuing education time to care for self and spirit, but are there any ways that disciples in the local parish can care for their pastoral leader as well?  After all, the parishioners of any given congregation have a definite stake in their pastor’s health and well being.  A calm, rested, peaceful pastor will be better able to care for the flock they are entrusted with as well as preach, teach and lead the community of faith with greater vigor and passion.  The entire congregation receives benefits when the pastor is healthy rather than overworked, on edge, or at an emotional or spiritual breaking point.  

There are some key differences between stress and the more critical condition of burnout. According to Dr. Arch Hart, as cited in an article written by Rowland Croucher entitled “Stress and Burnout in Ministry,

” stress wreaks havoc on energy levels, creates increased reactivity, and produces a greater sense of urgency in one’s life. Burnout, on the other hand, is characterized by emotional damage and demoralization which manifest in a loss of hope and sense of worthlessness of life. When clergy burnout, rather just being stressed, they lose their sense of call, become mired in feelings of ineffectiveness, withdraw from others and become emotionally exhausted to the point of wanting to flee pastoral ministry altogether. Everyone experiences some stress and anxiety in life but when burnout occurs the potential for a pastor to leave the ministry altogether becomes a critical issue for the local parish, the denomination and the clergy person herself who will have to find another way to make living.

There are many factors that contribute to the long term erosion of a pastor’s health and well being.  It is not a situation that develops overnight by any means.  That is why it is important for parishioners to have an awareness of the pressures that their pastor is dealing with and to help facilitate the creation of an environment that cares for the pastor and keeps him healthy, just as he cares for the many needs of the people he serves.  One factor that is increasingly causing clergy to wear out emotionally and spiritually is modern technology.  With the increased use of cell phones (one estimate cites 85% of Americans have cell phones!) including the instant messages of texting, the pastor now more than ever before is “on call” all the time.  It is not uncommon amongst my colleagues to discuss at clergy gatherings how their cell phones ring or beep at all hours of the day and night.  Texting creates an even more urgent signal to pastors to answer immediately as lights flash on their phones signaling a message is waiting to be answered.  It might not even be anything important, such as a death in the family or an accident in the community, that seeks the pastor’s attention.  Rather, a question about Sunday’s readings, the time of an upcoming meeting, or a request to add a name to the prayer list.  Pastors often use social media such as Facebook to connect with friends and family. However, with this technology comes increased exposure as parishioners send messages asking for the attention to some matter in their life directly to the pastor’s in box.  This seems like it would be one place where pastor’s simply connect with those closest to them but instead these message infringe on their down time and put pressure on them to respond more quickly. The fading of boundaries between personal time and work time contributes to the erosion of a pastor’s sense of peace and infringes on precious family time. 

There are many expectations places upon clergy, some of which may be unrealistic, but exist all the same. Many congregations have the notion that it is the pastor’s role to go out and get inactives and get them re-engaged in the life of the faith family. The cold, hard reality is that American churches are shrinking in the twenty-first century.  The pastor is expected to fix this problem as well as draw in youth of all ages and keep them past confirmation. The problem is that there is no magic solution that the pastor can employ to bring people back to the fold or even to round up new people to attend worship. This is the work of the entire community yet the onus of responsibility, which deeply felt, is generally placed heavily on the pastor’s shoulders. 

Another issue that erodes a pastor’s wellness is conflict.  Conflict in the parish, whether it is between parishioners or barbs pointed at the pastor when members feel slighted, ignored or are unhappy with some aspect of the pastor’s performance, can wear down the self esteem and energy of even the most tireless clergy person.  Conflicts that encompass the denomination also have an impact on a pastor’s health and energy for the ministry.  They are often powerless to do anything to soothe the anxieties of all of the disciples in the parish.  One group or another will always be on the “losing” side in these arguments that are rarely a win-win for all involved.  

There are many other issues that occur in the parish that tend to suck the proverbial life right out of the minister but none seem to be as poignantly devastating as the blatant lack of respect for the office of the ordained ministry.  Culturally it is really no different for teachers, police officers, civic leaders and the like.  There are myriad reasons why this has come to be a new normal, however it remains a source of angst and pain for clergy who now have to “earn” respect over time rather than be accorded them simply by occupying the ministerial office.  It seems that if the church could do a better job in this one key area, making the pastor feel appreciated and valued rather than treating her like a paid employee who exists solely to keep people happy and free from inevitable conflict, then clergy would be noticeably healthier, happier in their God-called vocations, and last longer in parish ministry rather than dropping out in order to gain relief and heading back to the secular work force.  

Looking at Martin Luther’s explanation to the fourth commandment from the Large Catechism might shed some light on how a congregation can aid their pastor in living a healthier and more joyful life by honoring her as one who is appointed by God and sent to serve in this particular capacity in the name of Christ.  

The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.  

What is this?

We are to fear and love God, so that we neither despise nor anger our parents and others in authority, but instead honor, serve, obey, love and respect them. (Small Catechism, Wengert Edition)

Luther identifies four kinds of fathers that are meant to be honored: birth fathers, the father of the family, civil leaders, and spiritual leaders. 

As mentioned above, a contributing factor to clergy burnout is society’s lack of trust and respect for those in positions of authority.  No longer, it seems, is the local pastor an authority on much of anything in the parish.  Everyone has access to a bible with study notes which may or may not reflect the local congregation’s theological traditions. Parishioners can watch television ministers preach before they arrive to Sunday worship at their local congregation and elevate that message above what their pastor preaches.  This disconnect can influence a disciple’s opinion about their own pastor’s theology as they miss the subtle nuances that one who has been trained in the tradition would readily identify.  The pastor is often no longer the most educated person in the parish nor one who is the best at management, finances, or organizational systems.  If this is the thinking of even some of the members of a congregation, that because there is always someone around who is “better” than the local pastor, the authority of that pastor is slowly stripped away if it ever existed at all.  With so many competing messages that swirl around us, some biblical and some secular, it becomes easier to discount the pastor’s voice as just one more voice among many. 

What the pastor is though, is a fellow Christian called by God through the sacrament of baptism, to serve the neighbor with her unique gifts, talents and life.  This is the starting point of a new beginning for caring for pastors, recognizing that she is a child of God, worthy of the most basic respect and value afforded any neighbor on earth who is created in the image of God.  Luther contends that the pastor is a spiritual father (or mother) and thus the fourth commandment instructs the church how to treat such a person.  

Luther begins his exposition of the fourth commandment in the Large Catechism by affirming the “special position” of mothers and fathers. (BC, LC, 400) He notes that there is no one higher to be praised and loved than father and mother, that they are next to God in terms of deserving honor and deference. (BC, LC, 401) This does not mean that they are perfect.  Not by any stretch of the imagination!  However, they are persons in authority over us; persons who also have a great responsibility to teach us, lead us and nurture us in faith.  Luther asserts that if one wants to do what is pleasing to God, then she must attend to doing what is pleasing to father and mother or whomever is in authority over her.  If we would all adhere to this commandment, “Then all would be well; parents would have more happiness, love, kindness, and harmony in their houses, and children would win their parents’ hearts completely.” (BC,LC, 403) However, obedience is a dirty word these days.  Original sin is alive and well in our churches- we all want to do things our own way and forget who is ultimately in charge (God, not the pastor or the parishioner.) Luther continues by saying that when the devil rules the world then “children forget their parents, as we all forget God.” This concept applies to all those in positions of authority because their authority comes from God alone and is derived from the most basic authority given to parents by God.  

When it comes to spiritual fathers (or mothers), Luther labels those as the people who help to guide Christians in adhering to and dwelling in the Word of God.  He cites St. Paul from 1 Corinthians 4:15 who acknowledges that these fathers do not often receive the honor they deserve but rather are chased out and deprived of bread.  For one to be a Christian, however, Luther posits that we “owe it to God to show ‘double honor’ to those who watch over their souls.” (BC, LC, 408) The promise attached to this is that by caring for the spiritual leaders in our lives God will also care for our needs. Sadly, even in Luther’s day the people did not live up to this commandment when it came to pastors, “here everyone resists and rebels; all are afraid that their bellies will suffer, and therefore they cannot now support one good preacher, although in the past they filled ten fat paunches.” (BC,LC, 408-409) 

As a matter of honoring our pastors there is much we can do to care for them and encourage them to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. In my experience some of the most helpful actions have come from a few conscientious souls who pay close attention to how I carry myself, do I look tired or stressed; to the number of hours they see me in the office, at meetings, at community functions, in the hospital, to which they might say, “Pastor, you need to go home now.  You’ve been here too long and you need to go home and be with your family.” These kind people will also ask me periodically, “When was your last day off? Did you rest or were you busy doing work?” They will push me on my spiritual life asking, “When are you going away to just be with God?” because they know that if I am not attentive to my own spirit then I am virtually useless to them in their spiritual trials. The gifts they give often indicate their concern for my well being: a few days in a cottage in the woods, an overnight stay for my family and me at a local resort, a gift card for a dinner out all signify that they care about my closest relationships. They seem to understand that if those relationships are stressed then I am also ill at ease which affects our life together and my effectiveness as their pastoral leader. 

With those concepts in mind, here is a brief list of do’s and don’ts for any congregation that wants to care for their pastor’s well being which in the long run will benefit the whole faith community:

Don’ts / Dos

Don’t call the pastor after office hours simply to ask a question that can wait until the morning.  Do write yourself a note so you won’t forget to call the pastor at his office in the morning.

Don’t call the pastor on her cell phone and when she doesn’t answer, show up at her house on her day off to discuss the agenda for the next council meeting. Do respect the personal boundaries of the pastor’s home and time off. Pastors often are “on” 24/7 and not by their own choice but rather this is the nature of the call. Over time this takes a toll on pastors. Assume they are enjoying their day off and catch them another time. Some denominations even encourage a sabbatical every six years for the pastor so that their passion for the ministry can be rekindled and they can rest from the demands of their vocational call.

Don’t invite the pastor and his wife out for dinner just to talk about what’s going on at church.  Do invite the pastor and his wife out for a nice meal, buy him a beer and drink one with him, and if you want to go even further- pick up the check!

Don’t just drop in to the office and expect that the pastor is free and available to spend the next two hours with you.  With a sermon to prepare every week, weddings, funerals, baptisms, classes and hospital visits it is likely that he has something he has to get accomplished before the end of the day. Do expect that the pastor may be busy and go ahead and schedule a meeting that is convenient for both of you. 

Don’t tell the pastor that she is misinformed about the bible study she just taught because that is not how someone on television explained it. Pastors are highly trained individuals who have studied many subjects as they prepared for ministry. They continue to study and read.  Do ask them questions and expect to learn from them. They love to teach and engage you in your faith journey. Listen to them and you will be amazed at what they actually do know. 

Don’t exclude the pastor from important decisions about worship, Sunday School curriculum, Vacation Bible School programs, or any other aspect of the ministry in which the pastor has spent years of study and that falls under their purview. Do include the pastor in major decisions regarding curriculum or worship. This where their expertise lies.  Utilize their knowledge and experience to create strong programs.

Don’t call the pastor while they are on vacation just to check and see if she is having a good time. Do pray for the pastor and her family as they go away for rest, relaxation and sabbath. Pray that when she returns she will have renewed energy for the daily tasks of ministry.

Don’t refuse to call the pastor “Pastor” simply because he was just ordained last week. Do ask the pastor what she would like to be called and then honor that as a sign of your respect for her and the pastoral office.

By simply being intentional about honoring our pastors, we can create a healthier environment for the entire congregation to thrive and flourish. Pastors will know they are cared for, and are not simply the hired help, relationships will be stronger, and a deeper level of trust will result amongst all persons in the parish. With healthier congregations will come longer, more fruitful pastorates, less burn out and a decreased incidence of pastors hanging up their stoles for good. 

A Letter to Rose

A Letter to my goddaughter...

October 9, 2012

My Dearest Rose,

Before time gets away from me I want to write to you and reflect on your baptism. It is still fresh in my mind since it just happened two days ago on October 7th. It was a beautiful sunny day, a little chilly, but a perfect fall day. Everyone from the family gathered at the church in Monroeville where your aunt Amy (yep, t hat’s me) is the pastor. All of you sat in the front row of the church and another family filled the front row on the other side of the aisle as their baby was being baptized too. Your daddy looked so nice with a tie on that day! He was ready for his baptism as well. It is so neat that the two of your share the same baptismal anniversary. Every year the two of you can remember your special day together!

The time came for your baptism. Your cousin Noah was the acolyte that day, and so he poured the water into the font as I read the prayer that described how God used water to bring life and redemption to the world. First I baptized baby Sydney. She had lots of dark curly hair and I soaked her. She slept right through it! Then it was your turn. Uncle Jeff took you in his arms and held you over the font and I poured the water out of a seashell onto your head, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” You stared at me the whole time, never took your eyes off of me! It was like you were thinking to yourself, “This is the most amazing and wonderful thing I have every seen so far!” It was really precious. When I was done with the water, I kissed you on the forehead. I have NEVER done that to any other baby I’ve baptized. Ever. Of course, you are very special to me, my niece, my goddaughter.

Then I did the same for your daddy, he had water running down his face when it was all over. I guess I got a little wild with the water! 

After that we moved forward to the altar as your cousin Anna sang the first verse of the baptismal hymn from the balcony. “I was there to hear your borning cry. I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.” Uncle Jeff was holding you and you held my index finger tightly in your little hand and wouldn’t let go. I sang the rest of the verse to you as the congregation joined in singing too. Mommy was almost in tears she loves you so much!

After the service we ate cake and went back to our house to eat and play with you and visit with one another. It was a wonderful day. A wonder-full day indeed! God is good and he loves you. I love you. We all love you, Rosebud!

Your loving godmother,

Aunt Amy

Something Different from STS: How to Make a Newspaper Mask by Anna Little

My ten year old daughter is super crafty and creative! I came home from church today and she was working on a paper mask for Halloween that is made of a Rice Krispie Treat box and some newspapers.

 Step One: Take a cardboard box and draw a mask shape on it.  Anna says to use the rough side of the cardboard for gluing on the paper when you get to that point. The shiny, printed side won't take the glue very well; things get slippery.

Here she is showing the mask shape she made. . . don't forget to cut the eye holes out!

Step Two: Next cut small squares of newspaper, Anna says the ads work best because they are in color!

Wrap the paper squares around a pencil and dip the end in glue.  

Stick them down on to the mask and wait for them to dry.

Step Three: All you have to do then is attach a string to the mask and you are ready for Halloween!  She is going to be the Mysterious Newspaper Girl! She will expose evil and "write off" crime!  Stay tuned for that picture!  

Welcome Children!

Yesterday was a day full of reminders for me about how many adults around us give of themselves so unselfishly to the children around them. This Sunday's lectionary text is Mark 9: 30-37 where Jesus teaches his disciples to welcome children in his name. Whose life do you invest your life in? Is there a child around you who needs your love, attention, support, mentoring, guidance, love?

One of my best friends has devoted her life to serving young people.  Unfortunately she was never able to have children of her own but here's the thing: she has her own children!  Gobs of them!! Children run to her knees. . . even my own daughter when she sees my friend, flies into her waiting arms, ready to tell her all of the events she's experienced since the last time they saw each other. This precious woman has godchildren that she adores, children in the church she serves that are the light of her days, nieces that are her pride and joy, kids at the school where she lives whose ball games she attends on a very regular basis. . . and on and on she goes. The love she has for children can be seen in her green eyes as they twinkle in a child's presence. She gives her life to them, each and every one of them that desires it. . . and I know for sure that they are better off for having her in their lives!

I have another dear friend who happens to be a member of the congregation I serve.  She is a grandmother, having raised two boys into successful adulthood. She could be done with all of this kid stuff, but no. . . a few years ago she saw a need in the community and so she decided she would become a Girl Scout Leader for the young girls who swirled around her! She faithfully invests herself in their little lives and they flock to her like a sweet mother hen who will look after them and correct them when they need it. They love her! She loves them! She has no reason to invest herself so deeply in these 15 girls' lives other than that is who she is in Christ. . . one who welcomes children (despite the enormous chaos!).

I know a sweet man who waits by the front doors of the church every Sunday to see if his favorite girl will walk through the doors early in the morning. He won't sit down until he sees her and she knows that this fellow is her kindred spirit. . . they got to know one another on a mission trip. Their relationship was solidified through service to others. She brought him back to faith. The love they share benefits both of them and inspires the rest of us to give of our selves to others, to form a bond with another human being and make them feel as special as they are.

Now, all of these kids that I'm thinking about come from good homes. And yet, all kids need someone outside of their genetic tree to tell them that they are worthy, valuable, important, special! Mom and Dad have to say those things you see; other adults do not have to say these things. The impact that you make on a child's life just by consistently being there, showing up, asking them about their life, praying for them, welcoming them into your arms. . . this makes us parents very, very happy! It does amazing things for our kids, trust me! We know we cannot do this alone, we need you to help us! It doesn't matter how "good" a child's home is. . . they still need other adults to be in their lives; if a child has a less than "good" home then they need it all the more!

Today I say thanks to all of you who give of yourselves to kids! Teachers, lunch room workers, janitors, pastors, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, coaches, instructors, grandparents, you name it! You are very, very, very important! God Bless you! Please keep up the good work, we are all depending on you!

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Have you ever read the The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom? It has been years since I read this true story of a Dutch family that hid Jews in above their watch repair shop and ended up in concentration camps because of their actions. But it is one that I can never forget, especially when I think of the words of Paul who urged believers to "Give thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) In the story Corrie is complaining of how bad things are in the camp and it seems she is losing heart as her sister is ill and they are worried about so many things. Betsy, her sister who is with her in the camp struggling to stay alive, replies with Paul's words.  Corrie cannot understand how her sister can be so upbeat, so hopeful in the face of evil, pain, death and persistently annoying lice that plagued their barracks. She will come to understand later those lice kept the guards away from their crammed quarters which allowed them the freedom to share the Word of God from a tiny bible they managed to smuggle into the camp against their frail, emaciated bodies. This Word of God brought hope, courage and the will to live to many women who otherwise would have certainly given up.

Give Thanks (Photo by Amy Little)

Life can be very hard sometimes.  Circumstances can be very trying. . . especially when they are forced upon us by someone else, when things happen that are not a result of our own doing. Sometimes just living can be a struggle, dealing with demons of the past, or watching things fall apart before our very eyes and realizing that we are helpless to affect the outcome. But Paul instructs us in these matters as well, words that are hard to hear and hard to understand right now, that we are to GIVE THANKS is all circumstances!  ALL circumstances you ask? That's what Corrie asked her sister Betsy.  The answer was "YES! In ALL circumstances." Paul continues by saying, "for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ."

Give thanks, even when we don't feel like it? Yes.

Give thanks when we are in pain and cannot find relief? Yes then too.

Give thanks when our world is turned upside down and we don't know which was is up? Ummm hmm.

Give thanks when it seems there is nothing to be thankful for? You betcha.

Why? Because you don't know what Jesus is doing behind the scenes. Because you need to give up on fixing everything yourself and fully rely in the One who loves you most and who promised to never leave you! Because God has a bigger plan in mind and it is one that you cannot fathom no matter how you try, it's not rational, it's not reasonable, it's not even understandable-- right now that is (and maybe not in this lifetime!) It's a matter of faith, deep faith. . . and even though things are difficult there is always, always, always something to give thanks for in your life! And maybe you will come to find out that the lice that infest your life are just the thing that God is using to create a new thing!

Give thanks to the Lord for his mercy endures forever. Amen.

Growing Pains Really Hurt

Philippians 1:22

The Message (MSG)

 ^22-26As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.


Why does it hurt so darn much to grow? We see it in our kids as they maneuver through each phase of life from toddlers to kindergartners to elementary school student where drama begins to unfold with friendships. . . to adolescence and young adulthood. And it all happens so darn fast doesn't it? At least when you are the parent it does, I can't say it felt like it went fast when I was a kid however. There was always something else to learn to navigate, to learn to deal with, to figure out how to handle or not handle as the case may be. The thing is, we never stop growing. We never stop learning: how to navigate friendships, relationships, life, work, and yes- faith.

I remember when he was the size of his baby cousin he's holding!

Isaac Newton changed our thinking about objects in motion when he said, "An object moves in the same trajectory unless acted upon by an unbalanced force." And likewise, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." I remember when I first learned this concept, I was 17 years old and in High School Physics with an amazing teacher, Mr. Mizer. He taught us this concept by hitting us all where we longed to be, behind the steering wheel of a car (since most of us back then didn't have cars and barely had driver's licenses that we could actually put to good use). He had us imagine a small rubber ball on the dashboard that sat there minding its own rubber ball business until suddenly the car made a very sharp turn sending that ball out of its forward motion (you see it was moving forward with the car even though it sat there on that dashboard minding its own rubber ball business) and bouncing all around the car that decided to change trajectory.

Each and every one of us is like that rubber ball.  We are moving along in life, happily minding our own rubber ball business until WHAM! an unbalanced force acts upon us and moves us out of our trajectory. It could be sickness, death of a loved one, or simply dealing with "growing up" (and no matter how old we are we still have some growing up to do). So the other concept comes into play. . . how we react to a reaction. How do we deal with others' stuff? Not so good sometimes. . . I admit that sometimes I take things WAAAAYYY too personally. But how to separate what is "mine" and what is "someone else's?" The closer we are to a person the harder it becomes. We feel every reaction and we react to it. . . sometimes not so well at that. In Bowen Theory this is called Differentiation of Self: Knowing where I begin and you end and vice versa. Staying in touch and not running away when things get tough. And sometimes it hurts like all-get-out. . . but you know what? That's when we learn: who we are, how to handle things better next time, how love deeper, how to accept someone more, how to forgive, how to stay calm, how to rely on God when we cannot do all the other things we'd like to be able to do that resemble being grown up.

Life is going to take some serious twists and turns throwing us rubber balls bouncing around, but we are not alone in this! St. Paul reminds his congregation that he is with them, accompanying them on the journey as they grow to trust God more fully and completely. As pastors we companion those we serve. . . we also companion one another on the journey because believe it or not, pastors are human too, filled with doubt, fear, darkness, and pain just like every other person on earth.

Growing pains can really hurt. . . but they are necessary! Nothing easy is worth having. . . nothing that isn't hard fought is ever really appreciated. . . well that is except God's gift of mercy and grace! So keep going and keep growing and rely fully and completely on Christ who loves you and said he would never leave you! Amen.

Beauty in the Weeds

I just returned from my time away at the Abbey of Genesee in Piffard, New York.  My dear friend Pamela took me there last November and this time I convinced another dear sister in Christ, Katie, to go along.  One day we took our cameras with us as we trekked off to the noon liturgy.  We thought we might be able to catch some interesting photos of the surrounding landscape. We worship as guests of the Cistercian Monks and then headed down the hill along a path that is flanked on both sides by wild flowers and weeds.  We must have spent about an hour in that field in silence. . . journaling, watching butterflies, looking at insects, capturing God's creation in megapixels.

As birds chirped in our ears and bees buzzed by on their way somewhere important, we watched in silence all the activity that was bursting forth from the grasses, thistles, and blooms.  And God met us there in our own silence even though we were the only ones being quiet.  Ideas began to bubble up. . . ideas about the good news. . . ideas about relationships . . . thoughts about ministry. . . a feeling of God's mercy and love enveloping us like a warm blanket.

Every texture, ever single petal, every wing are a work of God's art, drawing us into the beauty held within. . . a beauty often overlooked as we rush to and fro never stopping to notice the stamen or pistal, never getting close enough to see the tiny hairs on the underside of leaves, failing to notice the color palette of the divine artist.

Even this one. . . life gone out of it, disappeared back into the earth for the next generation. . . has beauty and texture to behold.  Patterns of curls and twists and turns that capture the imagination of the seer. . . if only we would stop to notice.

Where have you seen something beautiful recently?  Perhaps in the eyes of your loved one. . . maybe in the smile of a friend. . . maybe, like me, in a flower or a weed.  Take a moment to notice, to let it affect you, to register in your brain and in your heart and give thanks to the Holy Artist, the one God of heaven and earth, for all of his creative activity. Amen.

Power Outage

This note came to me from one of my best friends, Susan H., after having been without electricity due to summer thunderstorms this past week:

Power outage - No electricity. I don't know about you but I am not exactly sure what to do with myself when the power is out. I try to read and relax with a day free from normal life duties but for whatever reason I seem to be full of nervous energy. I am unfocused,
unorganized and generally unproductive when the power is out. Then, without notice, wham! The power is on and I feel energized, restored, life is again full of possibilities. This scenario parallels to my life and attitude when I get away from the Word, worship and prayer. It is always so renewing when I am again made aware of His presence and power in my life. Thank God! The power is on! 

How about you?  Do you feel that holy tension inside of you when you (for whatever reason) find yourself away from the power source of God's mercy and love?  Prayer and worship have a calming effect on us. . . powerful calming endorphins are created in our brains when we are plugged into God's love, just like snuggling close to the father's chest and receiving comfort and care.  When do you find yourself most anxious in life?  Examine your prayer practices during those moments. . . are you engaged or distant?  

Take some time to plug in each day!  

Thanks Susan for this metaphor for our spirit!

There's a Light. . .

I posted a picture of my daughter on Facebook this morning and one of my friends, who has known my girl since she was born, said how beautiful she is and that there is a light that shines in her.

Well, that got me thinking about the light that shines within us. . . at our baptism we are charged with the task to "let our light so shine before others" so that the world may see Christ at work in us and in the world. Is that what my friend sees in my daughter?  Is that what I see when I look out into the congregation on a Sunday morning and I see eyes filled with tears of joy, smiles pasted on happy faces, looks of yearning to hear more and more about God's love and mercy? Is that what I see in our small group when sisters and brothers in faith encourage one another and support one another on this journey?  I believe it is.

One thing I know about this light that shines within us is that it isn't "us."  When we are plugged in to the source of our hope and strength, something is exuded from our faces. . . our lives.  What people see in us is actually the light of Christ shining through.  They often mistake it for "us" rather than what it really is. . . the light that shines through all darkness, Jesus our Lord.  This light can attract others to us. . . it can draw them our way.  We must always remember that it is not to "us" that they are being drawn, lest we begin to rely on that kind of affirmation, but it is to the One who gives the light and who is the light.  That light is very beautiful indeed!  It is something we notice almost right away in each other if we are in tune with the Spirit. . . we also feel it within ourselves as it seems that love will ooze right out of us onto those we meet.  That's because we see Christ in them. . . we see them as God sees them. . . and we become the ones who share God's love with the world.  Just like the light is not ours, so the love is not ours. . . it comes from God and flows through us to others.

May you be light to the world just like my little sunshine girl!  May your heart be wide open to love others the way that God has first loved you.  May you be blessed by the fullness of Christ Jesus in your heart and mind and soul and spirit.

a.

Catharsis

Matthew 5:44-45

The Message (MSG)

 ^43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

With a very heavy heart I decided to take my dog for a run this morning.  It always seems to help clear my mind.  It helps with the catharsis process. . . 

Catharsis is a Greek word that means "to purge" or "to cleanse."  Sometimes tears just simply aren't enough to get the pain out.  Sometimes they are sufficient.  If you think you have no pain then I have news for you. . . there is enough sin in this world (our own and others) that if you would only stop for a moment to reflect, you would realize that there is some very real pain in/under/around/within you and the emotional/spiritual/physical space that you inhabit.  We all need something cathartic at times.  Today was a day for me. . . so I tied up my Nikes, clipped the leash on the pup, grabbed my iPod and off I went into the rain.

Now there is something very soothing about running in the rain, especially warm Spring rain.  The water was running down my face, dripping from my eyelashes, dropping from the curls on my head and cleansing me of some very great disappointment and struggle.  As I ventured the end of the trail, Lauren Hill's voice proclaiming to me "Everything is Everything," my steps got faster and faster.  Soon I found myself leaping over puddles that had formed in the dirt as if I was back on that green track in Athens, left lead leg, right lead leg, hurdle after hurdle like the 400 meter race I used to run. The Irish violins of the Celtic Woman spurred me on as I silently prayed for God's presence in the rain.  My own breathing echoing in my ears keeping time with whatever song came next. . . pushing me to sweat it out, to leave it there, to rely on God's never failing grace and guidance.  

When I made it home there was not one spot on me or the dog that was not soaked.  God was there.  In the running, in the rain, in the drops of water cascading over me like my baptism long ago of which I do not remember.  Only He knows how many more times I will have to run like that. . . how many times catharsis will be the order of the day. . . how many more times a human, child of God, will have to endure suffering and pain because of sin.  

But the rain continues to fall- on the good and the bad and all those in between.  But the promise is His never failing love, even as we seek to be obedient to His will to love others, even those whom we think we can never love.  We cannot do it alone.  It is utterly impossible.  The good news is that Jesus has done it for us- we who did not deserve such love, grace and life have been granted the greatest gift of all!  

If you are reading this- don't worry about me or about anything else.  I'm in good hands. . . and so are you!

acl

Sometimes There Simply Are No Words

I looked at the last date of my last post on STS and it has been way over a month.  Life has been hectic, filled with so many things to do. . .
Sometimes the busy-ness  sparks my imagination.  Sometimes I find, there simply are no words.  They just don't come.  There are strings of thoughts but nothing worth saying.  There are clouds of emotion but nothing worth reporting.  There is silence. . . oh the silence-- sometimes painful, sometimes welcome, sometimes it just "is."

In a word filled with sound-bytes and images and messages bombarding us from every direction, sometimes we get so used to the sounds that we fail to realize how destructive the noise really is for us.  Distracted.  Distressed.  Disconnected from the One who calls to us in our waking hours, in our prayers, in our sleep.  But we cannot or WILL NOT hear.  There's too much noise all around us; too much noise inside of us.  Sometimes I just want to scream, "STOP!"  Stop the talking! Stop the phone ringing.  Stop the black letters coming across the screen. . . JUST STOP! Just let me be. . . I just want to be.

And yet the paradox of that is that I have a very difficult time "just being."  To just be, one has to be able to tolerate a certain amount of pain, I think.

Perhaps my inability to just be has to do with my threshold of pain, or lack thereof.  I really have a high physical pain tolerance- I gave birth to two beautiful kids where the epidurals went awry and I felt all the pain on half of my body.  I ran for years with chronic shin splints and a stress fracture in my foot.  Until very recently, I haven't missed a day of work in years and years and years.  (I only missed two because of a minor surgery!)  But when it comes to the clearing of my mind. . . it rarely happens. . . there are always words and images floating past. . . and it's hard to not focus on them, difficult to let them go on by.  Then I get distracted and there are no words of any meaning that come out so it's just better to stay silent.

I think that kind of "pain," if you can call it pain, is part of our human condition if we allow ourselves to really feel it.  It's part of "being" human.  I'd rather be injured, some days, than have to "feel" what there simply are no words for.  On the other hand, at least I know I'm alive because I can still feel what I feel! Some days there is peace surrounding me, some days it is raw and open and exposed.  That's life, right?

What to do with it all?  I wish I had a prescription to share-- something that would take it all away but all I can do in those moments is utter to my Lord, "Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie Eleison."  The only words I can come up with which invite my Lord Jesus to enter into the darkness inside of me and take it onto himself for a few minutes so I can experience a flash of relief.

The good news is that, in the words of the old African American Spiritual, "He hasn't failed me yet." And I know that if I remember to come to him, he will do it for me over and over again until I no longer feel what there simply are no words for. . . pretty good deal don't you think?

Amen.

Following Jesus: Humility and Grace

In our small group we are studying Leonard Sweet's book "I am a Follower" which encourages Christians to rethink their lives as ones of following Christ rather than being leaders for Christ.  Christ, the Good Shepherd, is THE leader. . . the rest of us are followers and to even think about "leading" someone to Jesus, first means becoming a devoted, committed, unabashedly courageous follower.  It's simple really . . . it's just that we've been sold a bill of goods that entices us all to be "good leaders," "brave leaders," "creative leaders," etc. When all we really have to do is follow. . . except being a follower has gotten a bad wrap!  It's weak, second-rate, less than the best, lacks creativity we would say.  Not so!  On the contrary it takes strength, courage, imagination, fervor, passion and commitment.

In our study yesterday, one in our group recounted a contrast between leadership that is walled off and unaccessible and followership that is filled with love and humility and grace.  Here is what Susan S. offered the group:

Last Spring,on a trip to Washington D.C. our group was very excited to be able to tour the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and to have a meeting at the office of our Congressional Representative.  However, we were not able to access the White House.  With the first group of buildings and people, we went through a metal detector, left our bags in a locker and were granted access.  Pretty simple process for visiting those places, all of which are very important and house very important people's offices.  But, the White House on the other hand, required that at least two weeks before the visit, you apply online by filling out a form giving the Secret Service your name, address, social security number, birthdate, etc.  Only then might you receive a pass to enter the White House to take a tour.  Mind you, we had no false hopes that we would even come close to the President, we simply wanted to take a tour of some of the rooms.  

In contrast to this, several years ago my daughter was visiting Spain.  On a layover at an airport, Mother Theresa happened to walk by.  Graciously and without any reservation she stopped to chat with the girls for a couple of minutes. When she was ready to move on she blessed them, offering them a moment of mercy and love that came from her identity as a follower of Christ.  Then she continued on her journey.  She had no body guards to keep the public from her, as well known and as tiny as she was. . . she simply made her way through life, crowds, airports with the greatest humility and grace in the name of Jesus- blessing people as she went.  

Of course we know that it is the Secret Service's job to protect the President of the United States and that he probably has more threats against him than anyone in the world, but it seems a stark contrast between the two "leaders."  One allows herself to be accessible to whomever she meets, blessing them, praying with them as she encounters them.  Changing lives one at a time simply by following Jesus.  How might we use our lives as followers of Jesus to bless those we come in contact with each day?  Humility and grace might be the key to our followership of Jesus, one who modeled humility and grace in all aspects of his life on earth.  Perhaps it means not taking ourselves too seriously.  Perhaps it also means that we are never as important as we might think we are in the grand scheme of things. . . that our only mission in this life is to follow and serve and bless.


Image Credit: biography.com

Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. . .

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Last night in worship we sang the hymn I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. . . 

I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my pilgrim's journey, O Lord I want Jesus, to walk with me!  In my trials, Lord walk with me. . . . when my heart is almost breaking, Lord I want Jesus to walk with me.  When I'm in trouble, Lord walk with me. . . when my head is bowed in sorrow, O Lord I want Jesus to walk with me.

We sing it. . . loudly even. . . like we really mean it, especially when all is well and good and right with the world.  But do we remember our song when life comes crashing in on us, seeking to steal our peace and leaving us in a heap of tears and weeping?  Do we sing it when out of left field something terrible happens and we are reduced to doubt and despair?

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death for you are with me!  

When you walk through the fire you will not get burned! 

(Oh yeah?  That looks like a burn mark there, Father.)  

Perhaps, but remember what I have done for you, how I created the world with a word and how THE WORD experienced the same pain, suffering, degradation, annihilation, and death that you are walking through right now--- and on the third day he rose again! And on the third day he rose again!  Death, where is thy victory? Oh death, where is thy sting?  The wages of sin is death but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

This suffering is but for a moment, God's love for us is forever!  Through every horrific experience, through emotions we don't know how to handle, through answers that never seem to come, for love that seems to do no good, through questions that never manage to leave our lips. . . God's love is forever!  God's love was nailed to the tree and destroyed, but that was not the end of the story!  God's love was so powerful, so perfect, so fully present that it could not be squelched- NOT EVER!  

You, my friends, are loved like that!  Completely and forever! Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, loves you that much! Close your eyes and feel it. Don't doubt it!  Sink into it. . . trust it. . . it is FOR YOU, for always!