Imitation

Good Morning All,

It has been said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery;” (not sure who said it; googled and goodsearched it to no avail). But the phrase still stands and everywhere we look, we can see imitations, some sincere and others not: designer knock-offs; hairstyles and lifestyles of the rich and famous; and the latest summer television reality show, The Celebrity Look-a-Like Show.”

There have always been impersonators of celebrities, but one that continues to stand the test of time, is that of Elvis Presley. Last week, on the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death, the TV airwaves were filled with the many celebrations that were taking place to remember this famous entertainer and his music. His daughter, Lisa Marie, chose this time to also introduce a new “Daddy and Me” album of voice-over duets with her famous dad. Hundreds of Elvis Presley wannabes, outfitted from head to toe, some better than most, could be seen from NYC to LA—everybody getting into the act. Don’t you wonder how many hours these folks have spent trying to get the voice, the intonations, let alone the hair, that upper lip sneer :), the gestures, the eye movement, all just right? If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, Elvis should be flattered beyond all flattery, don’t ya think?

The gyrations and entertainment by the Elvis wannabes and even the release of a new music album with his daughter seem an appropriate way to remember this famous person. But as each anniversary of his death rolls around, I become increasingly uncomfortable by some of what takes place at Graceland : the candlelight vigils, the singing of hymns, the renovations of the mansion to present upgrades for each anniversary; the somber remembrances of the tragic last years of his life, etc. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that a religious figure were being honored and remembered.

When it comes to imitating and remembering someone, I think the emphasis needs to be more about the lasting characteristics of that person…how one lives from day to day; how one shares with those in need; how one cares for others; how one treats a neighbor, a teacher, a spouse or partner; parents or grandparents; how one lives out one’s faith. That’s why I believe that more emphasis needs to be put on the everyday lives of the people who surround us. Think about the influence we have on the children in our families and church family. Think about how they look up to you and me, even when we think they’re not. It is our life that is out there for all the world to see.

And when all is said and done, who is it that we imitate in life? Who is it that we look to? Thomas a Kempis, over 500 years ago, wrote a little book, Imitation of Christ, truly an oldie but goodie, that helps us bear resemblance to the One who came to point the way to God. But, hey, if you can’t put your hand on that book, there’s always the Bible :) “…Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children and live in love as Christ loved us…” (Ephesians 5:1).

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, won’t God be pleased?
Blessings, Joanne

What’s doubt got to do with it?

Good Morning All,

Last Sunday during worship we explored Hebrews 11: 1-3 and several verses that followed. The writer of Hebrews defines faith as, “…the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen…”The gist of this passage reminds us that it is “by faith,” that the ancient people of God, as well as you and I today, are able to serve God and share in the many wonders of God’s work in the world.
By faith…
…Abraham & Sarah moved out of the familiar and into the unknown…
…Noah, known to drink way too much, was warned by God about events yet unseen & was able to build an ark & save his household and begin again...
…Miriam rescued Moses from the reeds soon after his birth
…Moses who stood up against Pharaoh; killed an Egyptian; yet responded to God’s call to lead the People Israel to the Promised Land...
…Rahab, a prostitute, did not perish with those who were disobedient because she had received the spies in peace...
…David became the greatest of Kings, in spite of arranging to kill Uriah and having an affair with Bathsheba…

By faith…
…Mary humbly accepted her role and gave birth to Jesus...
…The women went to the empty tomb and were responded to the call to tell the Good News of Christ’s resurrection...
…The Samaritan Woman listened to Jesus and allowed him to change her life forever...
…The Hemorrhaging Woman reached out in faith, to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe as he simply passed by, and she was healed...
…Paul, the great persecutor of the early Christians, responded to Christ’s call to become one of the most faithful servants of all time...

By faith…by faith…by faith, you…by faith, me. But when we consider the folks listed above along with countless others, we might begin to shrink away knowing our faith pales by comparison. So many of us think that our doubts outnumber any evidence of faith our lives; that we end up doubting more than believing.

Well, take a look at these words of wisdom:
“Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; doubt is an element of faith…” (Paul Tillich)

“Doubt is only faith, waiting to be born.” (Rev. Bussey, a now 98 yr. old preacher)

“Whether your faith is that there is a God or that there is not a God (or somewhere in between), if you don’t have any doubts you are either kidding yourself or you’re asleep. Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep you awake and moving.” :) (Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking, A Theological ABC)

So what’s doubt got to do with it? Everything, at least according to these writers and I would daresay, even God! So just when you think your faith has to be absolute, doubt-free, 100% rock solid, revisit the names of those listed above and remember that God uses everybody for God’s purposes…even those you and society may put on the low end of “acceptable:” murderers; prostitutes; alcoholics; adulterers, etc.

I have it on good authority that God is an equal-opportunity employer and therefore, an equal-opportunity giver of faith. So dust off your excuses; move to the ants in your pants, and get busy serving God as God has called you to serve. Blessings, Joanne

Power of Prayer

Good Morning All,

“Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer” are the words that were uttered from the lips of a WWII pilot about to come in for a landing in one of those old black & white movies on TCM. That phrase has new meaning for me these past few weeks as I see recent signs of prayer at work in the lives of so many. Of course, I first attribute this all to God who calls us to “pray without ceasing.” But I also know the Spirit of God is at work through those who have been in worship and those who are reading our summer book club offering, Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese; a guide to help us reclaim the power of the “E” word—evangelism. The premise of her writings centers on prayer.

No, Covenant folks have not been abducted by aliens and are now suddenly standing on street corners shouting, “The End is Near!” :) We are simply discovering and rediscovering how God is calling us to share the joy of our faith and the excitement of our church family with those who need to know that God loves them no matter what, and that they’re invited to a place where they can experience the joy of being in relationship with God. Look for the book study coming to a small group near you as we stretch and grow in learning more about the power of prayer and how to pray!

Prayer is a mark of the faithful. A praying congregation is a faithful congregation. While some folks dip and dab at speaking with God; others claim that their days are filled with prayers offered to God and time spent listening for God’s response. There are those who seem to only pray when they’re in a jam or some life-threatening situation; or when someone near and dear is in trouble. Then there are the skeptics among us who say they’ve tried that prayer stuff, but so far, it’s just not working for them. Prayer cynics stand by to remind us that it doesn’t do any good to pray God doesn’t answer prayer. And what about those times in worship when we share joys and concerns and pray together as one body? If God knows our words before they are even formed on our lips, why in the world do we even bother to pray?

Growing up I used to think that prayer was like a Christmas wish list—you ask God for what you want and God, like Santa Claus or a cosmic bellhop, was there to make your wishes come true. But there came a time when my prayer life was shattered. I discovered that my prayer formula of “I ask-God answers,” was no longer working. Surprise, surprise! I didn’t get everything I prayed for. I’m still waiting on my Christmas pony to arrive and lots and lots of my childhood pets and people I loved were not healed of their injuries or diseases and they died! I wasn’t so sure I wanted much to do with a God who let such bad things happen!

Ahhhh, if it were only that simple—I ask, God answers. As adults we do know this to be true—we ask, but the rub comes when we realize God does indeed answer our prayers, not just in the way we want or think we need. So often we must find patience and understanding as we hear God say, “Not just yet; look there instead of here; not in this way; or maybe we hear God in the dreaded, resounding, No!” Prayer is a lot harder than you may first think. Being in relationship with God is an issue of first trusting in God; believing that God always desires the best for us. And then we have to fine tune all our senses to receive God’s answers that can come to us in the most unexpected circumstances and from the most unlikely people.

If all of this “prayer stuff” seems too demanding; if you’re still not sure praying makes any difference whatsoever, heed the words of a faithful Jewish man who prays several times a day at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, “In spite of what may seem like God is not listening; that my prayers for my life and for this world, go unanswered, I shutter to think what my life and the world would be like, if I stop…” Blessings, Joanne