I wrote this for the local paper...it isn't much and it is very "politically and religiously safe" because I don't think my little spot in the paper should be used for tearing the community a part. We all struggle in our own way with the state of the world. These are just a few of my thought on how we can maybe struggle together...without beating each other up about it.
Pasrson to Person “There is No Easy Answer or Solution?”
Rev. Andrea Brownlee First Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ)
The work
of ministry is nothing short of finding the balance between absolutely crazy
and astonishingly beautiful. In
the course of a week it is not unlikely for me to sit at someone’s beside in
the hospital, spend time with children and youth discovering what it means to
be a follower of Christ, visit with a couple preparing to start their life
together, help someone figure out how to pay an overdue bill or find food to
feed their family until next month’s check arrives. The work of ministry
whether we are pastors or layity is not easy and is not for the faint of heart.
It is sometimes difficult work in difficult places with difficult people and we
can struggle to find the balance. The good news is that in our faith journeys and
our “ministries” Christ doesn’t call us to walk or work alone. Jesus calls us
to follow him, learning the steps it takes to live in a world that so
desperately needs God’s love and grace. More than Jesus’ calling to follow is
his calling for us to go out on his behalf. “Go and do likewise” he says over
and over in the Gospels. Share God’s love with anyone we might encounter, not
because they “deserve” but because you know I did the same for you first.
There is
enough polarization in the world that I do not need to add to it by writing
words that can’t be taken back. The world, as of late, has become a much
crueler place than ever before and we (each and every one of us) struggle to
find the correct words to say, the correct thing to do, and the correct meme to
post on Facebook. It is becoming increasingly obvious that unchecked fear leads
to widespread panic. Widespread panic leads to irrational actions. Irrational
actions lead to a continued cycle of more irrational actions. There is not an
easy answer or solution. Closing boarders to refugees who are not connected to
terrorist organization won’t keep those who choose to inflict terror from
finding ways to infiltrate. Offering asylum to people who have been cast out by
their own country does not excuse us from taking care of our own citizens who
struggle to have to basic necessities for living. There is not an easy answer or solution.
As we
strive in this community to live into Christ’s call to follow him, his words
from the Gospel of Matthew ring loudly in my ears.
Matthew
25: 35-40 “35 For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I
needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after
me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then
the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When
did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and
go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell
you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you did for me.’”
You
should know I struggled to write this article as I try to warp my own head and
my own heart around recent world events. I pray that as community we will be
willing to work together, for the greater good of God’s world. I pray the even
though we might not agree on everything we are able to find common ground in
order to live and work and “do ministry” together. Let us hear Jesus’ words and
live them out together “Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.” Blessings to you and yours, Pastor Andrea
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