Pastor’s Paragraph - September 24, 2020
Dear Beloved Siblings,
I frequently ask you how you are and tell you that I miss you because you continue to be in my heart, mind, and prayers. I thank God for you. As I continue to reflect on the idea of living with an open heart or tender heart or living from the core, I invite you to pause. Sometime today or tomorrow, I hope you can take time to find a comfortable position and roll your shoulders back. Feel your chest open up. Take time to breathe deeply from way down in your being. Feel God's living, moving, creating, restoring Spirit connecting you to God, to God's children near and far, and to God's dreams for the world.
This summer I have been grateful for people who have helped me think more deeply about healing. As a pastor's kid, athlete, and occupational therapist, healing is something that I've thought about in many ways. This summer the desire to live with a fully open heart has led me to focus on God's gifts of healing in new ways. Our hearts need healing individually and collectively, and we were created with the potential to mend and grow. God offers us healing through grace. It is free, but that does not mean it is easy. Healing can be difficult. Healing may not come in the ways we imagine or hope for. Healing has many layers and forms. As I think about healing, I hear Jesus asking, "Do you want to be well?" in the gospel stories. I also hear him asking, "What do you want from me?" Friends, may we seek God's healing of our broken hearts that we may live in ways that create space and opportunities for all people to live and breathe fully. Jesus was about the work of healing. How might we share the love of Jesus with others through the spiritual practice of allowing our Creator to heal and open our own hearts? We are not alone. God will never leave or forsake us. I leave you with this quote. May it be a blessing to you! May we breathe God's healing love in and out~
"Healing is a practice. It's not a one-time thing or an idea. If I get up and do a bunch of exercises and repeat them, over time my muscles will get stronger. Healing is a practice just like that."
Marnita Schroedl, (P. 151 My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem)
With gratitude for you,
Sarah
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" 32 Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. 33 "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Matthew 20:31-33
