Hope in the Living Room

We've been friends with another pastor and his wife in our conference for over 34 years. We've shared the births of six children between use, two weddings (theirs) and two grandchildren (theirs). And the husbands have roomed together at Annual Conference for over thirty years. Recently, their two year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. Devastated doesn't even begin to touch the catastrophe. The situation is further complicated by an estrangement with the son (our friend's), daughter-in-law, and grandchild over the past five years. Our friends have seen their grandchild only twice --once at birth and once during a brief visit in their home when she was an infant. Our friends and their son/family live under ten minutes away. Visits to the hospital since the cancer diagnosis were refused by the son. So Mike and I decided to meet with them once a week, to listen to whatever they need to say and to pray. The sole purpose of our visit is for them to receive God's love through us. When we went to our friends' house last Thursday night, there were still two unwrapped Christmas presents in the living room. The son and family did not come by at Christmas or let his folks bring the gifts to his house. When I volunteered to take the boxes to my house and put them in the attic, our friends replied, "No, we have hope." I couldn't get the boxes from my mind, because they seemed to represent much more than Christmas presents and hope--they are boxes of love, thoughtfulness, everything that represents parents loving children and grandchildren. These gifts say, "We love you no matter what," "you are special to us," and "We won't give up." When I looked in the dictionary for a definition of hope, I read, "The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." "That fits!" I thought. So this week when I go to their house I will write the definition on one of the boxes so that when they see these each day, our dear friends can see "hope" instead of sadness, regret, anger, and confusion. What does God say? "May the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy in believing, that you may always abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13. God, I feel certain that there are many families suffering from estrangement in some form. I pray for reconciliation and new vision for these persons. All of this is possible when we, your children, live in hope and in you. Amen. Please pray for them all. Jacquie Reed, Fishers, Indiana

It's All Theology Anyway

The conventional wisdom is that lay people are not interested in theology. Perhaps they don't think in those terms, but many of their issues are just that--theological. And if they are active in mission, then they have even more occasion to think about what they believe and why. Not only that, but all churches have people who run the theological gamut in their beliefs. Just in my Sunday School class alone, we have folks who were raised or who are former members of the Catholic church, Lutheran church, Presbyterian church, Baptist church, no church, Korean Methodist church, United Methodist church, and another Baptist church. We even have an agnostic. In our church, the range is even broader. In fact, one of our best-loved Sunday School leaders is a Calvinist. She whole-heartily believes in double predestination and teaches from that perspective. While at first I was troubled that her theology was not Wesleyan, over the years, I have grown to appreciate her. Because while she talks like a Calvinist, she lives like a Wesleyan--extending God's grace to all. But her beliefs about predestination did come up in a coffee we had at our house last week. A friend who is visiting the church asked what we, as United Methodists, believe about that particular doctrine. When the discussion moved into the arena of grace, she suddenly said, "If predestination is true, then Jesus did not die for everyone." Bingo! She nailed it. Guess why she was visiting our church...because she was attracted to our church's mission and witness in the community. Don't know about you, but in my experience, when people are actively engaged in mission and sacrifice their time, talents, and money, they want to be able to stand firm and know what they believe. It is not enough to simple feel good doing good for others; people want to know that what they do in God's name really matters to God. And if that is not theology, then nothing is. Grace, Kathy

Gentleness and Meekness

Our choir director has been leading us in brief devotions on the Fruit of the Spirit during each rehearsal. Last night's was about gentleness and meekness.

I confess that know what gentleness is, but have always been unsure exactly where meekness is. To me meekness was just another word for weakness. But thanks to the devotion I now have a clearer understanding.

Gentleness is how you actively treat others. Meekness is how you receive the treatment of others. Here the Scripture is also instructive. Meekness is humbleness of heart. It allows you to hold another's soul in your heart, because your heart is in God's. (See Matt. 11:28-30.)

This means that meekness allows you to contain the hopes, fears, anxieties, joys, and anger of another person in such a way that it gives that person rest, peace.

Instead of being a sign of weakness, meekness requires strength and stamina. It requires a strong, loving heart, which is only possible with an infusion of grace from the Holy Spirit.

These days, we all need rest. Who can count on you today to help them find peace?

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

Hope for the Flowers

Last night I attended the Vanderbilt Divinity School student and UM Boards and Agencies dinner at the Upper Room. This is an annual event for students to meet with alumni, bishops who live in the area, and personnel from the various general boards and agencies. At the dinner I sat next to two very impressive students. Each was working in an area church and was committed to excellence in ministry. It was just nice to see young men and women beginning to answer their call.

The dinner was also a chance to visit with friends who are currently serving. I've got to say that some of us, however look pretty beat up and tired. This was alarming, but expected.

Ministry is an all-consuming passion. Most of the pastors I know, however, would choose being a pastor again, even knowing the toll that it takes on self, friends, and family. As a spouse, this is difficult to watch. But with grace, we keep serving and loving the unlovable, some of whom are in our churches.

I heard a scripture last week that helped give me perspective. While some strive for riches and glory, our part is the Lord. The Lord is our inheritance. There is no substitute without it and abundant living with it.

Blessings, Kathy
Clarksville

The Spice of Life

Just returned from a great minister's spouse weekend retreat. The fellowship was great; the speakers taught us a thing or two; but more than that--we laughed a lot.

Gosh, I love these women. Some are stay-at-home moms; some are professionals; some are retirees. We had a couple of toddlers and a very sweet 8 month-old baby. So the talk was lively; the food was too good; and the weather--blue skies all the way.

Still if I had to pick out one thing, it was the funny stories we shared the first night. Sorry, can't say more because we all promised...

Laughter is the spice of life. It soothes the weary soul. Laughter is also a gift of God. So I just imagine that Jesus must have been laughed a lot and told funny stories too.

I hope you find time to laugh with those you love today.

Kathy
Clarksville, TN