From the Desk of the Associate Pastor

It does not matter where you come from or what you believe, the world seems a little crazy right now. Perhaps it has always been a little bit crazy. Right now, there are many issues facing the church, our country, and perhaps those we face internally. I do not want to get into the specifics of all the issues because that would take up the entire newsletter and then some! I also know that not everyone agrees on what issues we should prioritize. So that all begs the question; what are we to do?

That is indeed a million dollar question. It racks my brain. We saw a horrible car crash the day we were taking a photo for the church’s 100th anniversary. A few weeks ago, a verdict was handed down for a 2021 killing that occurred at Cousler Park just miles from where I live. I turn on the news and it is all finger pointing and grandstanding. I ask the same question; what are we to do?
We could bury our heads in the sand and say, “well the world is just crazy and always has been.” Yet, our faith calls us to more.

Jesus came into this crazy world and spoke love and kindness. What if it is that simple? What if we are simply called to be kind and loving to each other? Everyone is fighting a battle we know next to nothing about and is living in the same broken world we are, so why not try to make the world just a little bit better? There is the tendency to want big change. And there are times and places that call for real systemic change. However, I think we run afoul if any of us get to thinking we have to be the next MLK or St. Paul to make a difference in the church and in the world. Pay close attention to how people move in public. Watch how so many folks are on their phones numbing themselves with mindless scrolling. Observe how many sullen looks you see or how quickly we have our defenses up when dealing with a “stranger.”

Is this not all the more reason to be kind? What does it cost us to simply say “hello” or “thank you” or take the time to treat waitstaff or customer service representatives as if they too are people with hopes and dreams? It is an old cliché but everyone we meet is fighting a battle and simply put, being kind and loving to our neighbor might do more than we realize. Jesus was adamant that the law could be summed up in loving God and loving neighbor. Jesus is not calling for niceties or going through the motions. Instead he is calling his disciples to create a ripple effect with their love.

In fact, it is not even their love but the love that comes from God and is given to all of us. The flow of love pouring from our hearts never stops because of what God has done for us, but sometimes we let sin get in the way and cause us to shut off the “valve.” That simple kindness is what God wants flowing through us and to the world.

All of this is to say that we do not have to reinvent the wheel, be the next civil rights icon, or become famous to make a difference. Instead, we are called to simply choose an uncommon kindness. I think of the widow in Mark 12 who had very little but gave both her copper coins as an offering. She could have said, “I have little to give, why bother,” but she refused to go this route. I hope and pray that we choose the same path. In fact, I know that with Christ as our cornerstone we will follow that path.

When I find my brain spiraling because of all that is wrong with the world, I pray to God and ask to be made a little kinder, gentler, and quicker to show heavenly love. The little ways we show up for each other matter. I see it every single day. To God there are no “little things” because anything we do can be used for heaven’s glory and for the sake of the world.