I continue my journey through Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God by Macrina Wiederkehr, slowly but surely. For me it's a book that I take in little bites and chew and chew. And when I come back to it, I look back to where I was before I move on. This is likely the slowest I have moved in any devotional book, but it is made for such slow reflection. There is much to chew on.
I read Acts 9:1-19 about Paul's Damascus road experience. It was revelation, conversion and calling all rolled into one. As I read it and reflected, somehow this time I related more to Ananias. I could see Ananias struggling with his calling to go to this one who had been persecuting the followers of Jesus and bring healing to him. Much like Jonah being called to go to Nineveh, a place where he felt the people were undeserving. I don't know why this resonates... I guess there is more chewing to do and some unfolding and onion-layering to peel off to get deeper here.
Meanwhile, here are the thoughts from Macrina Wiederkehr that struck me as I read the devotional:
"A great turning happens in the human heart when we are summoned and we find ourselves leaning toward the voice that invites." (72) ["leaning toward the voice that invites" especially spoke to me.]
"The poet David Whyte suggests that when revelation dawns in your life, you can never hide your voice again. You become impelled to speak the truth revealed." (72) [hmmm....this is definitely a cause for pause and explains some things for me]
Jesus speaks to Paul on the road to Damascus saying: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Macrina writes: "These are truth-telling words. Take them to your heart and listen deeply to the spaces between the words. These words suggest that Jesus identifies with us so completely that if we are wronged in any way, he is also wronged. Likewise if we do harm to any of his disciples, we are harming him." (73) ["listen deeply to the spaces between the words"-- that simply causes my soul to breathe]
"When we are meditating on the Word of God, we hear God's call somewhere in the spaces between the words. That is why pausing for reflection is so important." (73)
"The church is a bit like a big pot of soup. It needs to be stirred up once in a while or it will get stuck on the bottom." (73) [this made me smile/chuckle]
"So let's open our hearts again to God's call. Is there anything in you that needs to be stirred up so you can hear the call anew?" (73) [now she's meddling]
I don't know about you, but I often need to hear the call anew. I need things stirred up so that things that became stuck can become unstuck. I need to listen deeply to the space between the words. Revelation is dawning.
May you and I lean toward the voice that invites and not hide our voices.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Flashback to one of my risks and failures...
On Monday I visited my grandmother in her new home and went with her and my Mom to the April birthday celebrations. One of the residents was called Dr. "So and So" everytime they referred to her. That's not so unusual, for someone to refer to someone else by their title. After a little while, one of the other residents though leaned over and asked her: "What kind of doctor are you?" She replied that she was an EdD. "EdD" they repeated. My ears had tuned in, though they were at the next table. I knew that this meant Doctor of Education, not Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or medical doctor. I haven't had a chance to chat with her about her career in education, but I hope to at some point as I visit. I enjoy talking learning and education with folks.
I didn't think that hearing the letters "EdD" could trigger anything inside of me, but they did. They took me back to a time where I stepped out in risk and failed.
When I got that call to "go deeper" in 2006 and when I knew I would be retiring from teaching to make space to explore and to be more with my daughter, one of the areas I thought was a logical "next step" was the EdD at the institution where I currently taught. I loved teaching and I did a decent job of it (per former students). I enjoyed helping them learn to learn and helping teachers make connections, etc. I participated in the teacher learning groups and even helped facilitate an online class after I had taken it for fellow teachers once.
So, when the EdD program came up in discussions, it seemed that it might truly be the right next step for me. I was given the impression that I was going to be in the program, and the process was a formality. Part of the process was retaking the GRE because it had been over 10 years since I last took it. Stumbling block. I didn't do well the first time on the GRE. I don't do well on those types of assessments. Period. It's not a strength. The last time I had taken it I was so brain fried afterwards that I stopped somewhere on my way home to Dalton from UTC (where I took the test) and somehow locked my keys in the car (this was back in 1986). This time I was going to have the opportunity to do it on computer. I took it and did the best I could.
The results showed that I had held my own over the last 20 years in the language area and did fairly well in it, which was encouraging since I had been in the area of languages and linguistics. The written portion wasn't too bad either. But the math?!?! Let's just say that I pretty much tanked it (expression that means I didn't do well). I can do math, but it's not my strong area. I hadn't had math since pre-calculus my freshman year in college (1986-87) and this was Fall of 2006, I think.
But I wasn't too worried about the GRE scores for the application process because it was only a portion of the process. But, then I didn't even get an interview to come in and I didn't understand. I asked questions. I was told that the GRE counted for more than I had been advised previously and I didn't make the cut.
Talk about a downward spiral. You take what you thought was the next right step. You do what you need to do. You are given the impression by admission personnel that this is simply a process. And, then large brick wall. Ouch! It was a struggle for me. I fought it, internally and externally.
In fact, I will admit that one of my reactions was to apply to an online institution where I could study and earn the degree. I applied and spent my $50. Then, the more I spoke with them and learned about them (they weren't accredited, they couldn't tell me or show me who their professors were, etc), I knew this wasn't the right choice for me. I "wasted" $50 in my urgency to meet my own void. But I learned quite a bit and had some good, albeit annoying conversations with the folks that kept calling me. As I would ask why they didn't post their faculty online so I could know in advance who they were, they stumbled to give me answers. It was a learning process time for me. I told them to withdraw my application. I still heard from them for a very long time.
I sat back to wait. I had done what I thought was right, but it didn't work out. Risk and failure. It has to happen along the journey. Was my discernment off? I don't know. It truly felt right at the time. Did I learn things from the process. Oh, maybe some. Anytime I have to deal with my ugliness and frustrated self is a time to learn something.
As I waited, at some point, the online certificate through Asbury Theological Seminary came into my radar. I looked into it and applied. That application process in itself was a process for me in that it caused me to assess some things. I was accepted into the program and started classes in the Summer of 2007. Through the Certificate program I took classes in leadership (which is why I was wanting to go the EdD route to begin with) because I knew leadership was part of my calling. These courses confirmed that and equipped me. I took classes in discipleship. Not only was I learning, but I was being transformed and going deeper while I learned. And, here I am now, working toward the M.Div. with about 2 more years to complete it.
I will then have 2 Master degrees; no Doctorate. That's okay with me. I didn't go for the PhD in Spanish back when I could have because the timing wasn't right. The EdD obviously wasn't right either. I may never be a "Doctor" and that is perfectly fine with me. I have had students call me "Doctor" along the way, but I have gently told them that my degree wasn't a Doctorate and if they desired to give me a title, then my degree was a Master. ☺
Reflecting back on my experience of risk and failure has been good. Anytime we put ourselves "out there", it is risky. It means we can be rejected. Though I was rejected from the EdD program, that rejection is what helped me wait and be open and ready for what was truly my next step.
What risks and failures are part of your journey? I would encourage you to embrace them as part of your story.
Blessings as you travel,
Debra
I didn't think that hearing the letters "EdD" could trigger anything inside of me, but they did. They took me back to a time where I stepped out in risk and failed.
When I got that call to "go deeper" in 2006 and when I knew I would be retiring from teaching to make space to explore and to be more with my daughter, one of the areas I thought was a logical "next step" was the EdD at the institution where I currently taught. I loved teaching and I did a decent job of it (per former students). I enjoyed helping them learn to learn and helping teachers make connections, etc. I participated in the teacher learning groups and even helped facilitate an online class after I had taken it for fellow teachers once.
So, when the EdD program came up in discussions, it seemed that it might truly be the right next step for me. I was given the impression that I was going to be in the program, and the process was a formality. Part of the process was retaking the GRE because it had been over 10 years since I last took it. Stumbling block. I didn't do well the first time on the GRE. I don't do well on those types of assessments. Period. It's not a strength. The last time I had taken it I was so brain fried afterwards that I stopped somewhere on my way home to Dalton from UTC (where I took the test) and somehow locked my keys in the car (this was back in 1986). This time I was going to have the opportunity to do it on computer. I took it and did the best I could.
The results showed that I had held my own over the last 20 years in the language area and did fairly well in it, which was encouraging since I had been in the area of languages and linguistics. The written portion wasn't too bad either. But the math?!?! Let's just say that I pretty much tanked it (expression that means I didn't do well). I can do math, but it's not my strong area. I hadn't had math since pre-calculus my freshman year in college (1986-87) and this was Fall of 2006, I think.
But I wasn't too worried about the GRE scores for the application process because it was only a portion of the process. But, then I didn't even get an interview to come in and I didn't understand. I asked questions. I was told that the GRE counted for more than I had been advised previously and I didn't make the cut.
Talk about a downward spiral. You take what you thought was the next right step. You do what you need to do. You are given the impression by admission personnel that this is simply a process. And, then large brick wall. Ouch! It was a struggle for me. I fought it, internally and externally.
In fact, I will admit that one of my reactions was to apply to an online institution where I could study and earn the degree. I applied and spent my $50. Then, the more I spoke with them and learned about them (they weren't accredited, they couldn't tell me or show me who their professors were, etc), I knew this wasn't the right choice for me. I "wasted" $50 in my urgency to meet my own void. But I learned quite a bit and had some good, albeit annoying conversations with the folks that kept calling me. As I would ask why they didn't post their faculty online so I could know in advance who they were, they stumbled to give me answers. It was a learning process time for me. I told them to withdraw my application. I still heard from them for a very long time.
I sat back to wait. I had done what I thought was right, but it didn't work out. Risk and failure. It has to happen along the journey. Was my discernment off? I don't know. It truly felt right at the time. Did I learn things from the process. Oh, maybe some. Anytime I have to deal with my ugliness and frustrated self is a time to learn something.
As I waited, at some point, the online certificate through Asbury Theological Seminary came into my radar. I looked into it and applied. That application process in itself was a process for me in that it caused me to assess some things. I was accepted into the program and started classes in the Summer of 2007. Through the Certificate program I took classes in leadership (which is why I was wanting to go the EdD route to begin with) because I knew leadership was part of my calling. These courses confirmed that and equipped me. I took classes in discipleship. Not only was I learning, but I was being transformed and going deeper while I learned. And, here I am now, working toward the M.Div. with about 2 more years to complete it.
I will then have 2 Master degrees; no Doctorate. That's okay with me. I didn't go for the PhD in Spanish back when I could have because the timing wasn't right. The EdD obviously wasn't right either. I may never be a "Doctor" and that is perfectly fine with me. I have had students call me "Doctor" along the way, but I have gently told them that my degree wasn't a Doctorate and if they desired to give me a title, then my degree was a Master. ☺
Reflecting back on my experience of risk and failure has been good. Anytime we put ourselves "out there", it is risky. It means we can be rejected. Though I was rejected from the EdD program, that rejection is what helped me wait and be open and ready for what was truly my next step.
What risks and failures are part of your journey? I would encourage you to embrace them as part of your story.
Blessings as you travel,
Debra
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Listening for and to the sound of the One...
"There is an ancient harmony deep within the matter of the universe. All things carry within themselves the sound of the One."
~ John Philip Newell, A New Harmony
I found this quote on the Shalem Institute Facebook page this morning. It was a "cause for pause" for me.
Too often I find myself distracted by many sounds competing for my attention, to the point that the sound of the One is no longer distinguishable.
In order for me to clearly hear the voice, the sound of the One, I need to clear out all that other "noise". It is very helpful for me to get out into Creation when possible because within Creation I can better hear the sound of the One as it resonates clearly from the surroundings. But doing that isn't always possible, so sometimes I simply need to become still, to be silent and in solitude so that I can listen.
Becoming still, becoming re-focused helps me to no longer be so distracted by the other sounds/voices, but rather to hear more clearly the voice/sound of the One, the Voice of Truth. As I listen, there is peace and rest for my soul.
This author, John Philip Newell, is new to me. In looking him up, I learned that he will be going on a pilgrimage from April 27--May 4 to Iona, Scotland, and other places. Cool. He has a website, SalvaTerra. You can read his biography here. Another interesting person from whom I can learn.
What a great thought to contemplate... that "All things carry within themselves the sound of the One." Do you hear it? Are you listening?
When you get distracted, what do you do to be able to hear more clearly the sound of the One?
Blessings as you seek to hear more clearly,
Debra
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
A mid-day moment to refocus.... some words from Jesus Calling
Do you ever find yourself going along pretty good and then all of a sudden you're spiraling down out of nowhere to nowhere?!?! If not, that's wonderful for you!! Today, I had such a moment (and I get them from time to time) as I began to see how much reading I have to catch up on in my John Wesley course and how much reading I need to do in order to earn the extra credit, which I feel I so desperately need.
I started out decent this morning, focused even. I started on my to-do list (though I still haven't emailed folks about the May retreat) and dealt with a variety of other things that came my way. I read the sermon for this week's topic and wrote and posted my response to the question of the week.
I even made homemade chocolate chip cookies for the Wesley Center while doing these things.
But, then, all of a sudden, the overwhelming stress of all these pages that I need to read hit me, along with some arrows hitting me in other areas.
I finally needed to get my cup of Kenya tea and pick up Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. These are the words that I read:
From April 21: "LET ME CONTROL YOUR MIND. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind." [Tell me about it!] "Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace."
Ah, peace! That is what my mind, heart, and soul need..... and in order to get it, I need for the Holy Spirit to be in control of my mind. Whew! Easier said than done.... at least for me at times.
From April 22: "LISTEN TO ME CONTINUALLY." "Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans." "When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice."
From today, April 23: "KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task."
In the midst of my re-focusing time, I got a call from my stepson. That caused me to lose focus for a mintue or two (or 15), but we did have a good conversation about housing and possibilities. So, it wasn't too bad of an interruption. ☺
Now that there is peace restored into my spirit, it is time to read sermons and books for class.
How do you handle those moments of crazy stress? Are you able to find peace in the storm and refocus your mind on the Divine Creator?
Being able to decipher through those multitude of thoughts in order to hear the One Voice of Truth is not necessarily easy, but it is worth the work of trust!
Blessings on wherever you are on the journey! May there be peace in your heart, mind, and soul!
Debra
I started out decent this morning, focused even. I started on my to-do list (though I still haven't emailed folks about the May retreat) and dealt with a variety of other things that came my way. I read the sermon for this week's topic and wrote and posted my response to the question of the week.
I even made homemade chocolate chip cookies for the Wesley Center while doing these things.
But, then, all of a sudden, the overwhelming stress of all these pages that I need to read hit me, along with some arrows hitting me in other areas.
I finally needed to get my cup of Kenya tea and pick up Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. These are the words that I read:
From April 21: "LET ME CONTROL YOUR MIND. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind." [Tell me about it!] "Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace."
Ah, peace! That is what my mind, heart, and soul need..... and in order to get it, I need for the Holy Spirit to be in control of my mind. Whew! Easier said than done.... at least for me at times.
From April 22: "LISTEN TO ME CONTINUALLY." "Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans." "When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice."
From today, April 23: "KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task."
In the midst of my re-focusing time, I got a call from my stepson. That caused me to lose focus for a mintue or two (or 15), but we did have a good conversation about housing and possibilities. So, it wasn't too bad of an interruption. ☺
Now that there is peace restored into my spirit, it is time to read sermons and books for class.
How do you handle those moments of crazy stress? Are you able to find peace in the storm and refocus your mind on the Divine Creator?
Being able to decipher through those multitude of thoughts in order to hear the One Voice of Truth is not necessarily easy, but it is worth the work of trust!
Blessings on wherever you are on the journey! May there be peace in your heart, mind, and soul!
Debra
Becoming a contemplative...
There are several sources on Facebook (yes, Facebook!) that I rely upon for inspiration and encouragement in my faith: Shalem Institute and Contemplative Photography are two of them. There are others. Regularly they post quotes or reflections, along with photographs. This is part of my reflection time during the day.
This morning I went looking for Shalem Institute's recent postings because nothing was coming up from them in my feed (which, by the way, many things don't show up in my feed.... but hey, that's Facebook). I went to their page, scrolled down and found that they had posted their most recent quote 13 hours ago. I cannot repost the picture, but it was a white dogwood tree budding in Spring. (I may go take a picture of my own white [or pink] dogwood tree.)
As I read the quote (and re-read it), it struck me and resonated within me.
Here it is:
"What is becoming more apparent by the day is that we must all become contemplatives, not merely in the way we reflect or pray, but in the way we live - awake, alert, engaged, ready to respond in love to the groanings of creation. Human life depends upon our living this way."
This morning I went looking for Shalem Institute's recent postings because nothing was coming up from them in my feed (which, by the way, many things don't show up in my feed.... but hey, that's Facebook). I went to their page, scrolled down and found that they had posted their most recent quote 13 hours ago. I cannot repost the picture, but it was a white dogwood tree budding in Spring. (I may go take a picture of my own white [or pink] dogwood tree.)
As I read the quote (and re-read it), it struck me and resonated within me.
Here it is:
"What is becoming more apparent by the day is that we must all become contemplatives, not merely in the way we reflect or pray, but in the way we live - awake, alert, engaged, ready to respond in love to the groanings of creation. Human life depends upon our living this way."
~ Judy Cannato, Radical Amazement
Wow! This is a great way to put contemplative living.... as living "awake, alert, engaged, ready to respond in love to the groanings of creation."
This is an author whom I know nothing about. But that won't last very long. From Judy's webpage [click here], I learned that she is no longer with us physically on this terrestrial ball, BUT that she was quite the author, speaker, and retreat leader. Looking through the four books she wrote and the quotes from other authors on her books, I saw several authors I recognized recommending her. Among them were Macrina Weiderkehr and Joyce Rupp. I have just now added one of Judy's books to my Amazon wish list. ☺
I have grown into living a more contemplative life, living a more reflective life. This is primarily taken place because I have put myself into situations that have allowed me time and space to listen, to be silent, to be in solitude.
Jesus was a contemplative, taking time to get away for prayer. This enabled him to be alert, engaged, and ready to respond in love to the groanings of all those he encountered daily.
Contemplative living is part of the ebb and flow of the inner and outer journey. What strikes me as odd I guess is that this isn't something I remember hearing about growing up or in my earlier years along the faith journey. Maybe I heard it and didn't remember. Or maybe folks didn't talk about it or didn't know about it. I don't know.
What I do know is that "contemplative" is part of the journey (at least my journey) in following Christ. How can it not be when it includes prayer and reflection?!?!
Now I have a new quote to add to the bunch to inspire me and press me onward, to help me flow from that inner to outer.
Thank you Judy Cannato for your words of inspiration! Thank you Shalem Institute for once again posting a quote that caused reflection!
Blessings on your journey today,
Debra
Monday, April 22, 2013
Living through the transitions, allowing my wings to dry...
 |
| April 4, 2013 (look for Chrysalis in top right quandrant, about 2 o'clock). |
 |
| April 6, 2013-- emerged and letting the wings dry |
My life continues to be one of ongoing transitions. I think that is typical for us all along our journey. Maybe it is more acute at times than others.
Having transitioned from being on the Academy journey to now being out of it, I'm in a "holding pattern" in some ways from that transition. Likely because it is still so recent. I'd say that I'm in the stage of having emerged from the chrysalis and allowing my wings to dry before I can fly. And the image of the chrysalis and the butterfly that emerged during our last week will forever be etched in my memory because it was such a perfect and beautiful example of our journey.... ending, yet beginning. It was an "accident" that one of the participants brought the chrysalis. He had cut a rose from his garden to bring and only noticed the chrysalis upon arrival. It became a sacred moment, a sacrament to me.... and to many.
My grandmother has recently been transferred to an assisted living facility. This is a transition mainly for her I realize. Yet, it is one for me as well. I know that I am called to visit her weekly at her new place of residence. This means a time of transition in my time management and daily life as I let go of some things to make room for her.
I was blessed to have three grandmothers growing up. And, I had special relationships with all three, in different ways. This grandmother is now at a time and place where she recognizes me, yet sometimes forgets how I fit into the family puzzle. Last week she asked if I was her niece as they were doing introductions at Citrus Social at the center. I reminded her I was her grand-daugther. It's okay with me. I realized that I don't always know what piece of the puzzle I am in the family of God at times. ☺ Besides, we all fit, regardless of name, size, shape, etc.
This grandmother studied at Emory University and earned her Masters of Christian Education in 1962 after having raised her two daughters by herself for quite a few years. She was involved in public education and had studied French. In her earlier years she studied at the Teachers College in Statesboro (now Georgia Southern University). She was a Stephens Minister in her church. She was very involved in prayer and Bible Study. I imagine I owe some thanks to her and her groups and friends for prayers lifted on my behalf over the years. She showed me by example how to love "the other woman" and never spoke ill of my third grandmother. That became important to me later in life when I went through things in my first marriage and then when I myself struggled.
So now as she enters a new phase of her life, it is time for me to give back to her. I can give her my time and my presence. She may not always know where I fit in, but she seems to recognize me and know me. So far. I don't know when that will change. It doesn't matter. I will walk this journey with her and with my mom and dad. I will offer what I have.
Another transition I am going through is the laity/clergy transition. This is one long transition!! ☺ In many ways I see it more as a merger and personally think that I have been "claity" for a while now. I have been and will continue to be a bridge between the two. Yet, I move more into some roles that are more one than the other. One example for me is in the Emmaus community. I worked a Women's Walk this past weekend. I had the honor, privilege, and blessing to be an Assistant Lay Director [ALD] on this walk and to give one of the talks. It was a wonderful weekend! Even though I slipped on wet concrete and skinned my knee; even though I almost lost my voice a few times (maybe some would have liked that ☺); even though a blood vessel popped in my left eyelid for some unknown reason and started bruising on Saturday; even though migraines came the morning of my talk....it was a tremendous weekend!! I tried to remain as present and as poured out as possible so that God could work in and through me. This was my last laity position and walk in our community. I thought about it some, though I tried not to. I had two community members that came up to serve meals mention it to me. That was humbling and encouraging. One simply said welcome into the new role in the community and another came by as I was eating a meal and said something to the effect of "we can call you pastor now". Even though I am not quite to the ordained place yet, I am at a place (Certified Candidate) where I can be an Assistant Spiritual Director in the community. I applied and my application was accepted. I may not be asked for a while, but that's okay. God will work it out for when I am to work a walk as an Assistant Spiritual Director (ASD). I actually felt inside me that last April was my last laity walk. God was preparing me. But there was one more. Why exactly?!?! I don't know. Was there one particular reason I was up there this weekend?!?! I don't know. I know that I was humbled, blessed, filled, emptied out, filled again, etc. I know I was where I was supposed to be. And, now.... I transition to a new place in the community. I'm out of the chrysalis. But my wings aren't quite dry yet. I plan to be still and wait.... let them dry. I will know when it's time to fly.
What transitions are there along your journey? How are you living into them? Don't forget to allow your wings to dry.
Be still and know that God will prompt you when it is time to fly.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Expanding the Kingdom
From a discussion yesterday came some thoughts as I was driving along in my rolling sanctuary to visit my grandmother.
In the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of believers, too often it is about the boundaries and the borders that separate each of us-- the doctrines, the beliefs, the traditions. This seems to be because even though we claim loyalty to a larger Kingdom, we hold tightly to the closest piece of property to us that might be known as "denomination" or "non-denomination". Though all one ultimately, we are divided. And we spend way too much time, energy, and resources in and on our individual plots than if we were to pool them together for the larger Kingdom.
What if we lived primarily as Kingdom dwellers, people of the Kingdom rather than holding on to our own turf? What if we shared our resources, talents, time, and energy? What if we worked together?
Is this possible?
I think it is. I realize that many will think I hold an idealistic view of God's people coming together as one. However, I believe there was someone else who taught that we were to be one and unified as well.
How can this be done, you ask? Before I answer, you remind me that we all have too many differences to be able to get along in the Kingdom.
Ah..... Yes, we have differences. And, that is a blessing. That means we are truly the BODY and have different gifts and parts and can share our gifts and talents, etc. To make the Kingdom expand and unified rather than to be a divided place, it is my belief that we live into the two commandments given by Christ that encompass the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses.
Simply put: Love God; love others.
But, it's not simple. Loving God and loving others is an ongoing journey of learning, trial and error, grace and mercy, forgiveness, ups and downs, ins and outs. At least this is my experience.
And, in case you wonder, yes.... I am one of those that claim turf in the Kingdom. As I've shared before, I grew up in the Episcopal church and am in the United Methodist church these days (and have been since 1987). Yet, as I am in this particular denomination, I recognize the importance for all of us to share with one another and to learn from one another.
I mentioned that I believed this can be done. Not only do I believe it, I have experienced this unified Kingdom. I have experienced it in various communities where we have come together as one body and have put aside our differences in order to worship together, to learn together, to grow together, to serve together, etc. It can be done. I think it comes down to whether or not we are willing to do this for the sake of the Kingdom.
I know I'm not alone in recognizing that Kingdom boundaries don't need to be drawn so tightly in the sand (so to speak) that we aren't able to cross them.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism was an Anglican his entire life. Though he founded the Methodist faith, he kept his ties with the Anglican church. Methodism was originally intended to be a movement anyway.
Jesus Christ is another example for me. Though Christ taught a new way that radically challenged people, Christ wasn't a Christian, but remained in and of the Jewish faith. The message he shared was for all people.
What these two examples show me is that if we can rise above our doctrinal differences and focus on the more important aspects of Kingdom living, then maybe, just maybe we can learn to live together as Kingdom dwellers here on earth.
Maybe then, when folks enter the eternal aspect of the Kingdom, we won't be so shocked or surprised to see "so and so" there.
May all of our pieces of the Kingdom start to expand their borders, maybe even lose their borders, so that we all become a unified Kingdom.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
In the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of believers, too often it is about the boundaries and the borders that separate each of us-- the doctrines, the beliefs, the traditions. This seems to be because even though we claim loyalty to a larger Kingdom, we hold tightly to the closest piece of property to us that might be known as "denomination" or "non-denomination". Though all one ultimately, we are divided. And we spend way too much time, energy, and resources in and on our individual plots than if we were to pool them together for the larger Kingdom.
What if we lived primarily as Kingdom dwellers, people of the Kingdom rather than holding on to our own turf? What if we shared our resources, talents, time, and energy? What if we worked together?
Is this possible?
I think it is. I realize that many will think I hold an idealistic view of God's people coming together as one. However, I believe there was someone else who taught that we were to be one and unified as well.
How can this be done, you ask? Before I answer, you remind me that we all have too many differences to be able to get along in the Kingdom.
Ah..... Yes, we have differences. And, that is a blessing. That means we are truly the BODY and have different gifts and parts and can share our gifts and talents, etc. To make the Kingdom expand and unified rather than to be a divided place, it is my belief that we live into the two commandments given by Christ that encompass the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses.
Simply put: Love God; love others.
But, it's not simple. Loving God and loving others is an ongoing journey of learning, trial and error, grace and mercy, forgiveness, ups and downs, ins and outs. At least this is my experience.
And, in case you wonder, yes.... I am one of those that claim turf in the Kingdom. As I've shared before, I grew up in the Episcopal church and am in the United Methodist church these days (and have been since 1987). Yet, as I am in this particular denomination, I recognize the importance for all of us to share with one another and to learn from one another.
I mentioned that I believed this can be done. Not only do I believe it, I have experienced this unified Kingdom. I have experienced it in various communities where we have come together as one body and have put aside our differences in order to worship together, to learn together, to grow together, to serve together, etc. It can be done. I think it comes down to whether or not we are willing to do this for the sake of the Kingdom.
I know I'm not alone in recognizing that Kingdom boundaries don't need to be drawn so tightly in the sand (so to speak) that we aren't able to cross them.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism was an Anglican his entire life. Though he founded the Methodist faith, he kept his ties with the Anglican church. Methodism was originally intended to be a movement anyway.
Jesus Christ is another example for me. Though Christ taught a new way that radically challenged people, Christ wasn't a Christian, but remained in and of the Jewish faith. The message he shared was for all people.
What these two examples show me is that if we can rise above our doctrinal differences and focus on the more important aspects of Kingdom living, then maybe, just maybe we can learn to live together as Kingdom dwellers here on earth.
Maybe then, when folks enter the eternal aspect of the Kingdom, we won't be so shocked or surprised to see "so and so" there.
May all of our pieces of the Kingdom start to expand their borders, maybe even lose their borders, so that we all become a unified Kingdom.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)