Good Morning All,
At the end of last week I declared that it had been “the week that was…” and indeed it was and it kept getting better and better for me as the weekend unfolded; even though the snow became a distant memory only captured in the photos on my screen saver… :) But as we all know, in the midst of all that is wonderful, I was reminded that there is more to life than the here & now.
As most of you are aware, Kay Yow, the Coach of the NC State Women’s basketball team, died last Saturday morning. Within and beyond College Women’s Basketball, her reputation on and off the court was legendary. The professional and personal accomplishments throughout her life are numerous, but so much of what she was able to do was done so in the midst of surviving Breast Cancer for 22 years. As I reflect on that one thing alone, I realize how far we have come since 1987 in the fight against all cancers, but especially Breast Cancer. People are living longer and better because of the research that has been done. And Kay Yow and her notoriety has been very instrumental in raising funds most recently through “Hoops for Hope,” which has brought increased awareness to the disease.
But it is Kay Yow the person who encompasses all these efforts, who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Her spirit as she faced each day and coached her teams; her special attention to each of the young girls who attended her summer basketball camps; and most of all, her courage in the face of such adversity which was rooted and grounded in her deep and abiding faith in the God who renewed her, strengthened her and sustained her all throughout her life. Her battle with cancer was done publicly, which brings an added dimension to her example for all cancer survivors, giving us courage to keep on keepin’ on. She indeed according to Paul’s words, “…has fought the good fight and finished the race…” (IITimothy 4:7)
At the end of last week I also learned that a dear young friend, The Reverend Brooke Schneitman, died from complications from surgery to remove an aneurysm. Her recent health was compromised by similar issues, yet all she wanted was to graduate from seminary and to be ordained…fulfilling God’s call and claim on her life to serve the Church in some way. She graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary last May and was ordained at FCC, Black Mountain , NC , this past August. And those of us who supported her throughout this time often wondered with all the demands of ministry, how she would be able to muster the energy to serve the Church. But we also knew that she and her call to ministry were in God’s hands. Brooke’s strong faith, sense of humor and welcoming smile touched so many lives in her not so long life. She too has fought the good fight and has finished the race…And we are grateful.
Last Sunday during worship we also rejoiced greatly as we heard the good news for one among us, Denise Loughridge , who continues to fight the good fight. She has so courageously faced her own battle with colon cancer these past two years and at her recent check-up received the very best of news about her health. And we celebrate life with her. And at the same time, we continue to lift in prayer, Vicky Vanderford, who continues with her treatments for Breast Cancer…holding her in prayer and holding up so many examples of all those among us who know what it is like to bravely face compromising health issues.
All of us, each in our own way, go forth daily to slay the many dragons of destruction in our lives...not just related to our health…but anything and everything that, otherwise, if we allow it, has the power to destroy us in an instant…Yet we go forth with another Power who equips us with indescribable resources deep within us…each of us grateful to God for a faith that brings courage, patience, a sense of humor, and strength; all of which miraculously comes to us when we least expect it and need it the most.
Thanks be to God for the many ways in which God’s healing presence is made known to us each day of our life…
Blessings, Joanne
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Week That Was
Good Morning All,
Reaching deep, very deep, into the recesses of my mind, I remember as part of the old television show, Laugh-In, there was a weekly segment called, TW3—That Was The Week That Was; where the host comedian would highlight the previous week’s current events. This past week certainly will be among my favorites. It began on Monday, the MLK holiday, heading for Greensboro to be among the 25 or so participants in the Disciples Women’s Blitz-Build—a joint effort with Greensboro ’s Habitat for Humanity. The original plans calling for the finishing of a 2 story home for a single mom, Adrianna, and her 2 young sons. Adrianna had already clocked in over 315 hours of sweat equity—well over the required hours each future homeowner must do. She is now quite well-skilled in doing just about anything needed to construct and finish a home!
While I only was able to work this one day, and a lot of our time was spent getting ready to do some of the work, we were able to put scaffolding together, hang doors—OK a few bent nails were lost to the process; cut & cope floor molding. As you can imagine, 25 women in a small 3 bedroom home, filled with 2 table saws for cutting molding, vinyl siding strips, molding strips, folks wielding hammers, etc. the working quarters were quite cramped…but story-telling and laughter filled up whatever space was empty.
Late in the afternoon, I headed home, feeling good about our work, blessed to make new friends and to know that by the end of February, Adrianna and her sons would have a chance at several new beginnings in their new home. And I must admit, as I travelled I-40E, my excitement grew as I anticipated the possibility of the predicted snow fall headed our way…(Don’t ask me which brought me more excitement, OK)? :)
Let’s see…enough food in the house…plenty of hot chocolate…wood stacked on the front porch, my mental checklist was complete…I had all that I needed to be snowed in...I knew that it had been at least 4 years since any significant amount of snow had come our way…were Greg and Chris really reading this right…the meteorologists have been wrong so many times before…and it was just raining as I made my way closer to home…could I be setting myself up for a huge disappointment? Can you tell I love snow?
As I went to bed, I left one window shade up half-way, so that when I would awaken in the night, I could readily see if the snow falling…as I awakened around 5am, I began to hum the old Austrian Carol, Still, Still, Still, “Still, still, still…One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still..” Yes!
What a perfect backdrop to Inauguration Day, watching the various networks, picking up on the excitement and anticipation of the millions of folks who were making their way to the Mall, ready to take their 12 x 30 inch space on the ground…to witness the swearing in of our 44th President of the United States . And our first African-American President.
Partisan politics aside, there is always joy and hope as we share in new beginnings…in our own individual lives and now together as a nation…a nation in need of hope and joy in the midst of the overwhelming economic challenges we are facing, with the growing ranks of newly unemployed and homeless; figuring out how we can help those in need and boost our economy at the same time; our involvement in 2 wars; the need to reestablish ourselves as a better-respected player at the world’s boardroom table of leadership…and then listening to our President remind us that we are all in this together…calling for unity of purpose; compassion and restoring us to peace…
And then on Wednesday to be able to see and hear the Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral, with our own Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister & President, delivering the sermon, capped off 2 days worth of celebration…Her message was spot on…centered around words of scripture from Isaiah 58: 6-12 and Matthew 22: 36-40; and began by sharing a Cherokee wisdom story that reminds us that there are 2 wolves struggling within us…one is vengeful, angry, resentful, and filled with self-pity; while the other is filled with compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, integrity and love…Which wolf wins? The one you feed…
She also spoke to the President about “…how much we need him and the other leaders to be guided by the wise counsel of the prophet Isaiah to work for the common good, for public happiness, the well-being of our nation and the world…in which liberty and justice prevail…”
(To hear the full message; to see a transcript and the service program, go to www.nationalcathedral.org and follow the links). How proud you will be as a Disciples of Christ!
This certainly has been a TW3 week for me…and it’s not over…as we head into the weekend we have an opportunity to be refreshed and renewed as a community of faith as we hear the Word of God come to us with the same challenge to feed the wolf of compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, integrity and love within us…Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart as we make our way into this new year that draws us into God’s future together…Blessings, Joanne
Reaching deep, very deep, into the recesses of my mind, I remember as part of the old television show, Laugh-In, there was a weekly segment called, TW3—That Was The Week That Was; where the host comedian would highlight the previous week’s current events. This past week certainly will be among my favorites. It began on Monday, the MLK holiday, heading for Greensboro to be among the 25 or so participants in the Disciples Women’s Blitz-Build—a joint effort with Greensboro ’s Habitat for Humanity. The original plans calling for the finishing of a 2 story home for a single mom, Adrianna, and her 2 young sons. Adrianna had already clocked in over 315 hours of sweat equity—well over the required hours each future homeowner must do. She is now quite well-skilled in doing just about anything needed to construct and finish a home!
While I only was able to work this one day, and a lot of our time was spent getting ready to do some of the work, we were able to put scaffolding together, hang doors—OK a few bent nails were lost to the process; cut & cope floor molding. As you can imagine, 25 women in a small 3 bedroom home, filled with 2 table saws for cutting molding, vinyl siding strips, molding strips, folks wielding hammers, etc. the working quarters were quite cramped…but story-telling and laughter filled up whatever space was empty.
Late in the afternoon, I headed home, feeling good about our work, blessed to make new friends and to know that by the end of February, Adrianna and her sons would have a chance at several new beginnings in their new home. And I must admit, as I travelled I-40E, my excitement grew as I anticipated the possibility of the predicted snow fall headed our way…(Don’t ask me which brought me more excitement, OK)? :)
Let’s see…enough food in the house…plenty of hot chocolate…wood stacked on the front porch, my mental checklist was complete…I had all that I needed to be snowed in...I knew that it had been at least 4 years since any significant amount of snow had come our way…were Greg and Chris really reading this right…the meteorologists have been wrong so many times before…and it was just raining as I made my way closer to home…could I be setting myself up for a huge disappointment? Can you tell I love snow?
As I went to bed, I left one window shade up half-way, so that when I would awaken in the night, I could readily see if the snow falling…as I awakened around 5am, I began to hum the old Austrian Carol, Still, Still, Still, “Still, still, still…One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still..” Yes!
What a perfect backdrop to Inauguration Day, watching the various networks, picking up on the excitement and anticipation of the millions of folks who were making their way to the Mall, ready to take their 12 x 30 inch space on the ground…to witness the swearing in of our 44th President of the United States . And our first African-American President.
Partisan politics aside, there is always joy and hope as we share in new beginnings…in our own individual lives and now together as a nation…a nation in need of hope and joy in the midst of the overwhelming economic challenges we are facing, with the growing ranks of newly unemployed and homeless; figuring out how we can help those in need and boost our economy at the same time; our involvement in 2 wars; the need to reestablish ourselves as a better-respected player at the world’s boardroom table of leadership…and then listening to our President remind us that we are all in this together…calling for unity of purpose; compassion and restoring us to peace…
And then on Wednesday to be able to see and hear the Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral, with our own Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister & President, delivering the sermon, capped off 2 days worth of celebration…Her message was spot on…centered around words of scripture from Isaiah 58: 6-12 and Matthew 22: 36-40; and began by sharing a Cherokee wisdom story that reminds us that there are 2 wolves struggling within us…one is vengeful, angry, resentful, and filled with self-pity; while the other is filled with compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, integrity and love…Which wolf wins? The one you feed…
She also spoke to the President about “…how much we need him and the other leaders to be guided by the wise counsel of the prophet Isaiah to work for the common good, for public happiness, the well-being of our nation and the world…in which liberty and justice prevail…”
(To hear the full message; to see a transcript and the service program, go to www.nationalcathedral.org and follow the links). How proud you will be as a Disciples of Christ!
This certainly has been a TW3 week for me…and it’s not over…as we head into the weekend we have an opportunity to be refreshed and renewed as a community of faith as we hear the Word of God come to us with the same challenge to feed the wolf of compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, integrity and love within us…Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart as we make our way into this new year that draws us into God’s future together…Blessings, Joanne
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
God's Beloved
Good Morning All,
The other day a friend of mine and I were sharing stories of childhood. I spoke of how my parents told me that there wasn’t anything that I couldn’t do or become, if I put my mind to it. I always felt encouraged and supported by my parents when it came to my dreams and aspirations. And I looked over at my friend and it was as if he weren’t fully present. What’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?
“Oh no,” he said. “But do you have any idea of how lucky you are?” “I would give anything to have had either one of my parents believe in me or encourage me to find my way in life.”
‘Even to this day, I have a hard time turning off the voice inside me that is so critical…”
“Can’t you do anything right?” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “What makes you think you can do that?” “I honestly can’t think of a time when I didn’t have to fight these demons running around in my head.” “Every time I had a test or a try-out for band or sports, I could hear my father say some of these things and I was defeated before I even got out of bed.”
I can’t imagine living with that kind of constant criticism. How does anyone ever manage to grow in one’s self-esteem when there’s always someone standing over you with those kinds of comments? How does one ever succeed at anything after being bombarded in this way?
Especially when our tendency as human beings is to mostly hear the negative things said about us; the negative voices from within; or to only focus on our failures…Why is that, do you suppose?
Last Sunday as we reflected on the Baptism of Jesus as recorded in the first few verses of Mark’s gospel, we did so in relationship to our own baptismal story. We focused on the Voice that declared, “This is my beloved; with whom I am well-pleased,” as Jesus came up from the water. By virtue of our own baptism, we too share in this same declaration. This means that YOU are God’s beloved. Imagine, even for only a moment, how much God delights in YOU.
I suspect that many of us have difficulty thinking, let alone believing, that God cares for us this much— especially in times of failure, or worse, betrayal; in times of disappointment or suffering.
And yet I truly believe that every last one of us longs deep within our very being, to hear these words…to know that our first, middle and last name…our only name given to us by God, is always, Beloved…
God recognizes each one of us as a beloved daughter or son. And God welcomes all of us into relationship with God as God offers us this important invitation: “Let me show you a new way…Come walk with me out of the former shadows of your life and into the light of a brand new day…I have claimed you and called you by name. You are mine. You are my child. You are my beloved. You make me glad!”
May we be guided by these words as together we move into this New Year…
Blessings, Joanne
The other day a friend of mine and I were sharing stories of childhood. I spoke of how my parents told me that there wasn’t anything that I couldn’t do or become, if I put my mind to it. I always felt encouraged and supported by my parents when it came to my dreams and aspirations. And I looked over at my friend and it was as if he weren’t fully present. What’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?
“Oh no,” he said. “But do you have any idea of how lucky you are?” “I would give anything to have had either one of my parents believe in me or encourage me to find my way in life.”
‘Even to this day, I have a hard time turning off the voice inside me that is so critical…”
“Can’t you do anything right?” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “What makes you think you can do that?” “I honestly can’t think of a time when I didn’t have to fight these demons running around in my head.” “Every time I had a test or a try-out for band or sports, I could hear my father say some of these things and I was defeated before I even got out of bed.”
I can’t imagine living with that kind of constant criticism. How does anyone ever manage to grow in one’s self-esteem when there’s always someone standing over you with those kinds of comments? How does one ever succeed at anything after being bombarded in this way?
Especially when our tendency as human beings is to mostly hear the negative things said about us; the negative voices from within; or to only focus on our failures…Why is that, do you suppose?
Last Sunday as we reflected on the Baptism of Jesus as recorded in the first few verses of Mark’s gospel, we did so in relationship to our own baptismal story. We focused on the Voice that declared, “This is my beloved; with whom I am well-pleased,” as Jesus came up from the water. By virtue of our own baptism, we too share in this same declaration. This means that YOU are God’s beloved. Imagine, even for only a moment, how much God delights in YOU.
I suspect that many of us have difficulty thinking, let alone believing, that God cares for us this much— especially in times of failure, or worse, betrayal; in times of disappointment or suffering.
And yet I truly believe that every last one of us longs deep within our very being, to hear these words…to know that our first, middle and last name…our only name given to us by God, is always, Beloved…
God recognizes each one of us as a beloved daughter or son. And God welcomes all of us into relationship with God as God offers us this important invitation: “Let me show you a new way…Come walk with me out of the former shadows of your life and into the light of a brand new day…I have claimed you and called you by name. You are mine. You are my child. You are my beloved. You make me glad!”
May we be guided by these words as together we move into this New Year…
Blessings, Joanne
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