Pastor’s Paragraph - August 13, 2020

Written By Pastor Sarah Haas

In the last few weeks, I have heard a number of conversations about tender-hearted living, courageous living, or living from our core in many different places and circles.  What does tender-hearted living, courageous living, or living from your core mean to you?  If you'd like to share what it means to you and/or how you experience it, I'd be excited to hear from you.  Please feel free to email me at the new email - pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com.

When I think of courage and tender-hearted living, two Bible passages come to mind:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."  Ezekiel 36:26

And

"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

Knowing that God is with me wherever we go, helps me to trust in God and rest in God.  In being grounded and rooted in God's faithfulness and steadfast love, we can open our hearts.  We can ask God to continue to create tender hearts within us.  Are there spiritual practices that help you lean into the beautiful possibilities of tender-hearted living that God offers us in each moment? 

The spiritual practice of examen helps me to work towards tender-hearted living.  For me, the spiritual practice of examen involves asking God's Spirit to help me reflect upon the day or part of the day.  Taking time to reflect, opens opportunities for me to express gratitude for experiences that I may have overlooked in the moment, and it creates space for me to see and feel places where my ego got in the way of my heart.  Examen helps me humbly confess my own sins and my need for God's transforming grace.  Sometimes this practice happens for me in the quiet and other times on the move.  Thanks be to God that God's mercies are always present.  We can rejoice in the unconditional love of God!  May you feel this love holding you, surrounding you, filling you, encouraging you, and moving you as we journey together.  You are prayed for.  You are loved!

With gratitude for you,

Sarah 

317-709-5857, pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com 

Pastor Sarah Haas

Sarah is very grateful for the opportunity to serve with Friedens United Church of Christ. She works closely with the Christian Education Ministry Team, the Treasure Seekers Ministry Team, and the Engaging Young Adults initiative. She also works as an occupational therapist in the Center Grove Schools. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, extended family and friends, spending time outside, and reading. You can reach her at PastorSarah.FriedensUCC@Outlook.com or 317-709-5857.

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