Matthew 5 - The Message

3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

I don't think that it is easy for most of us to fully comprehend Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  Most of us have never reached the end of our rope; most of us have never lost what is most dear to us. Suzanne had. The tragic death of her daughter, her son's overdose, her emotional breakdown, and the breakdown of her marriage, were losses so great that any one of them would drive us to the end of our rope.  Through it all Suzanne never lost her faith. Her deep faith that made it possible for her to get up and face the day.  She welcomed God into the empty places in her life.  Instead of raging against God, she surrendered herself into God's embrace.   The greatest gift that Suzanne gave us was a glimpse of the power of God's love against all of our losses. The love and care of this congregation for Suzanne witness to the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through the congregation.  I thank God for bringing her into our midst, for her insights, her deep compassion, and her generous spirit.   May we all strive for such faith, compassion, and love in our lives.

In Christ,