But I dare say the actions taken in a 438 to 384 vote are more damaging than any physical barrier that could be installed. The majority of the 864 delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church didn't appropriate funds to follow President Trump's lead and build walls around our churches.
#PASTOR ANTI GAY FLAG ROUTINE CRACK#
I never saw the barrier to entry opened with even a small crack until the gates were completely removed as part of a building restoration in 2008. This particular set of gates, on Massachusetts Avenue where thousands of people pass each day, remained locked. They were installed by trustees consumed by exhaustion for clearing the porches of people and possessions. When I arrived as the pastor in 2005, I was greeted with these gates. What if his faith is what God used to make me well again?Īnd what if God has been here all along, eager to heal me, while patiently waiting for me to ask for what I really need? What if Bob's prayer is what has actually changed things for me-lifting my spirits, pushing aside my anxiety, giving me strength for whatever challenges are to come? I have lots of people say, "I'm praying for you." But I cannot remember when someone simply wanted to pour blessing and healing into me and made me stop until I accepted their gift of prayer. He asked God to meet our every need, to bless us. I reluctantly lowered my head as Bob prayed for us. But my friend was willing to engage, seeing sincerity in his offer. I think he then asked if we knew Jesus at which point my friend said yes, "I'm in seminary, and she's a pastor." I wanted to run. But my friend stopped when someone said, "Can I pray for you today?" The man introduced himself as Bob. At the end of a row of tables, a group of men were distributing information on faith. I had gone to a large country market with a friend where we loaded up on fresh vegetables and delighted in abundance. I actually love hard things.īut today, I remembered something else that happened on the day after I saw the doctor. I had forgotten that I can, indeed, do hard things. I've been reminded in three sessions of how strong I am and how satisfying it is to be pushed outside my comfort zone. I've also returned to the gym where I hire someone to push my body harder than I would ever push it myself.
In the last two weeks, I've gotten a massage. She got straight to the point, instead, with an admonition to get a handle on my stress. Two weeks ago, a doctor didn't ask me if I want to be made well. But I allowed myself to be paralyzed from receiving it. I realized today how much I have in common with the man in John 5. I have yearned more than once for an opportunity to hide away and do nothing until the storm passes. While COVID hasn't yet touched my body, it has nearly robbed my passion, my joy, my zest for life. To say this season has taken its toll on me is an understatement.
But answering it requires that we admit we are in need of healing-that we are actually not well. Jesus listens to his story (or his excuses) and tells him to stand up and walk. When Jesus sees him, he inquires, "Do you want to be made well?" The man responds by saying he has no one to help him get into the pool and how when he tries to get there, others get there before him. He lies by a pool each day along with the blind, the lame, and others who are paralyzed. In John 5, Jesus encounters a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years.