Wonderings--January 6

Thank God we are fearfully and wonderfully made. . . 

Today I read the words of theologian Kate Bowler as she reflected on the foundations of her life that made her into who she is and who she is becoming in the Lord. I chuckled particular parts of her narrative and enjoyed hearing about "Divine CPR" as she talked about God 'breathing life into our bodies' that first time. His breath literally entering into a place where breath was not and making breath become. Giving us life and presence. 

At the end of the section that I was reading she wrote these words. They echo her point about God creating the foundation of our lives and invite us to see how we are brought together. She writes:  

"Whether it is our parents, our teachers, mentors, friends, churches, or neighbors, people have been pouring into us. We are standing on a foundation. It should come as an incredible relief. Our only job is to build on what we’ve been given, and, even then, even our gifts we can trace back to the creativity, generosity, and foresight of others. Thank God we are a group project."

Finishing her words I leaned back and agreed with her assertion: Thank God that we are a group project. 

Recently life at Bethesda has become a bit more serious. Covid cases are on the rise. Both inside and outside the church we are hearing about more and more families who are dealing with the virus--and people are becoming anxious and fearful. But they are not the only ones who suffer. . . 

Stories and prayer requests have been shared with me about family members, church members, who are sick, in the hospital, or who are now in the loving hands of Hospice. In the midst of these prayers I spent parts of this week sitting with people and reminding them:

"This is the Body of Christ, given for you. . ."

"The cup of Salvation, poured out for you. . . "

In that place there is an interesting thing happening. . . an acknowledgement of the foundation that we stand upon as the church. While suffering may come, and while covid cases rise, and those we love are in the hospital, and as we become more anxious, we are together because we are the church. 

We lean back upon each other. Support each other. We care for each other sacrificially. We hold each other up to God.  

I wonder today if you might know someone who needs to be reminded that we are a 'group project?' A project with a divine, loving, ever-present God who can, and does, take care of us. . . Perhaps give that person a call and remind them that we are better together, better when we come together in prayer, in service, and in love.

Blessings

Rev. Derek