Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Dear Friends,
This past weekend, 74 folks from Northern Maine met at Brewer UMC to engage in a Courageous conversation in regards to our denomination's decisions at General Conference a few weeks ago. In attendance were folks who had a whole variety of theological perspectives and who were willing to share their perspectives and listen to others. May I confess that prior to our time together, I was a bit anxious about it?
We live in a time when it seems that it is difficult for many of us to have civilized discourse. We live in a moment in our denomination where our differences have serious consequences for our members and for those who will never become members due to our decisions. It is hard to listen to each other. And yet, at our meeting on Saturday, both conservative and progressive folks left saying that they felt affirmed and supported. A. little progress was made.
In this season of Lent, I have found myself confessing many things. Mostly what I have had to confess is that I often forget that God is with me, with us, and that I need not fear nor control everything. Trust and obey. The words of the old hymn are a reminder to me that I can trust God in all times especially when I cant control the outcomes.
I hope that you are finding this Lenten season insightful and informative. I pray that you are finding God with you at all times and that you are resting in God's faithfulness. Miracles do happen at this time of year.
Grace and Peace, Jackie
*wall art available at metalshack.com