July 8, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This past week has been another week filled with violence, retaliation, and anger; however the overwhelming feeling I am left with is sorrow.  Deep, deep sorrow.  The deaths of Anton Sterling and Philando Castille highlighted again the pervasive racism within our country.  And then just this morning we are woken to the tragic news of attacks on police officers in Dallas.  

I cannot help but hear God whisper in my ear, "You (each of you) is created in my image..." and my heart breaks again.  These actions of hate are eating us from the inside out and killing us - literally.  

In times such as these it seems downright impossible to know what to do.  It seems everyone is 'picking a side.'  I beg, implore, plead with you to pick the side of love.  The world needs more love, more compassion, more listening. 

Listen to those who differ from you; listen to those with whom you agree.
Pray for those who differ from you; from for those who are aching.
Love your enemies; love your neighbor.

Jesus' words seem even more radical and provocative on this day and in this time than ever before. 

A little referenced book of the Bible offers these words:
"My eyes are worn out from weeping; my stomach is churning.  My insides are poured on the ground because the daughter of my people is shattered, because children and babies are fainting in the streets."  ~Lamentations 2:11

If you have not yet had the chance to view the Presiding Bishop Eaton's statement from this past week, you can find it here (and on our facebook page).  Take a few minutes to listen. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, the promise I can offer you on this day is that of the resurrection, which is not only promised for the end times, but for now also.  Death does not and will not have the final word; hate does not and will not win; the devil has been dethroned and Jesus does live. 

In the hope of the resurrection,

Pastor Christine