Praying for a Kind Solution in an Unjust World, Part 2

A Year of Being Kind blog – Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Praying for a Kind Solution in an Unjust World, Part 2

Oh, how I wish I did not have to make a “Part 2” for this post from some days ago. But, I am afraid I do.

Not Ferguson, Missouri, this time. No, this time the grand jury made a pronouncement in New York City. A (white) police officer was found not at fault for choking a (black) man.

And, again, I viewed the reactions both Twitter and online media. This time, I viewed the responses and reactions for several hours. And again, I posted my own response on Twitter: “St Francis’s prayer comes to mind: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Praying for justice/clarity of mind/open ears. #EricGarner”

It breaks my heart. It is heart-wrenching, just reading the transcript of Mr. Garner’s words in that last minute or so.

I do not have much else to say, other than 1) thank you to Mr. Garner’s stepfather for recommending that there be no violence as a response to this verdict. 2) I would like to go further, and pray people find positive, responsible ways to change society and change the justice system; 3) God be with everyone who is on the streets tonight and in these next days, no matter who or where they may be—protect each one.

This post is so similar to my previous post. Such serious, heart-breaking news.

Even though I wish my cold would go away soon, I am afraid my garden-variety cold doesn’t even begin to compare to this incredible sadness. And danger, for many, many people. Of all sizes, shapes, colors, and walks of life. God, please watch over many, many people. Not only here, in the United States, but around the world, as they protest this new example of inequity and injustice. And, be with those who truly wish to serve and protect the communities where they work.

Dear Lord, help me to continue to be of service to all those who are struggling for justice in an unjust world. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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Praying for a Kind Solution in an Unjust World

A Year of Being Kind blog – Monday, November 24, 2014

Praying for a Kind Solution in an Unjust World

I looked at Twitter tonight, after things really broke loose. What I saw there made my heart break.

For those of you who have not been following the news in the past few days (or weeks), the Grand Jury made its decision, concerning the (white) police officer who killed a (black) teenager several months ago. The Grand Jury found the police officer not guilty on all five counts.

After viewing the reactions for some fifteen minutes (and clicking on a few links), I posted my own response on Twitter: “St Francis’s prayer comes to mind: “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” Praying for justice, clarity of mind, open ears. #Ferguson”

I do not have much else to say, other than 1) thank you to Michael Brown’s family for recommending that people find positive, responsible ways to change society and change the justice system; 2) God be with everyone who is on the streets tonight, no matter who or where they may be—protect each one; 3) some fool was foolish enough to release the grand jury findings so late in the day. (Foolish, to the nth degree!)

That’s all. Except, with this addendum. I ask God to allow cooler, more sober heads to prevail. And, I repeat a portion of my tweet, “Praying for justice, clarity of mind, open ears.”

Dear Lord, help me to be of service to all those who are struggling for justice in an unjust world. On many, many fronts. So be it, Lord!

@chaplaineliza

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Church Service, Serving Our Congregation

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, October 19, 2014

Church Service, Serving Our Congregation

It’s another Sunday. It’s another day to gather together for worship. And, it’s a day to celebrate the sacrament of baptism. First baptism in several years at St. Luke’s Church!

Pastor Gordon and I led the worship service today, and it was an affirming, prayerful time. Excellent sermon, too. (Thanks, Gordon, for everything!) The baptismal font is situated in the back of the church, and after the sermon, Gordon and I stood next to it. I called the parents and baby forward, and the extended family and just about everyone in the congregation came and encircled the font. Such a warm and wonderful feeling! Such a special moment for everyone in the sanctuary, too.

I made the opening statement about baptism, being a sign and sacrament of God’s grace and mercy extended towards us. Gordon then addressed the parents, and told them of baptism signifying God’s promise not only to us, but also to the dear baby, baptized today. I had the privilege of praying over the water, thanking God for the repeated demonstrations of God’s grace and mercy throughout the Bible, using water. I also asked God to transform this water we used from a common use to a sacred, sacramental use. Then—Gordon baptized this dear little one in the name of the Triune God. Amen! He introduced her around to the whole congregation as a new member of God’s forever family.

I know there are differences in beliefs. Some people believe strongly—personally—in infant baptism, or in believer’s baptism, or in full immersion, or in sprinkling, or in something else I haven’t mentioned yet. I realize there are differences, and I try to honor those when I can. This way, the way I just described, is the way that is traditional at St. Luke’s Church. As pastor there, I strive to follow their practices as best as I am able. Even though I went to a bible college for my undergraduate degree which leaned heavily on the practice of believer’s baptism by immersion, I have since embraced the Reformed tradition as my personal understanding. (I’m trying not to get all theological on everyone, I really am.) Suffice it to say that I am open to different understandings and views of baptism.

I thought this service not only lifted up God and displayed God’s Word through Gordon’s sermon and the sacrament of baptism, I appreciated this extended family gathered here to celebrate their youngest member becoming part of God’s forever family. I take the vows of the baptismal service quite seriously. I will strive to do my part to raise this dear little one in the knowledge and nurture of God, and God’s grace and mercy. True, this kind of service is more official than what I usually seek out for these blog posts. That makes this pastoral service all the more special. God bless this little one, the baby’s family, and everyone in attendance today. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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Praying for Others? You’ve Got It!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Praying for Others? You’ve Got It!

What about today, when I found some reasons to be a faithful member of Christ’s body? In confessions made, or precaution ministry? What about when someone has a birthday? What then?

I went to the YMCA earlier today, to work out and exercise. Wouldn’t you know that a kind, generous someone who works at the Y is celebrating a birthday? Yes! That is so positive an event. Great idea!

Some sweet older person had even gone out of her way to purchase a card. The card was lovely, and many people had signed already. Great job in being kind and encouraging, too.

I wished this person a very happy birthday. Of course I did! And, I also signed the card.

This staff member was very much touched and appreciative of my prayers. Hey, I pray most every day, at least when I’m putting others first, in the forefront of the day. Not tomorrow, not next week, but today. And that was what I prayed for, wished for. Praying God’s blessings, protection, and care come upon this loved one of God’s.

Such a small thing. Except—not in this staff member’s eyes. Praise God! Something simple, that anyone can do. Yet, something profound, too. Any time that a person agrees to provide intercession in prayer? Pray for someone’s encouragement, and to reach out in prayer? Priceless, as the television commercial and the ad agency tell us.

Yes, God bless this Y staff member. And family. Send every good blessing and every worthwhile thing their way, too! Amen, dear God.

@chaplaineliza

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Work with My Whole Heart? Maybe, Yes!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Thursday, April 3, 2014

 

Work with My Whole Heart? Maybe, Yes!

Today I took a closer look at the verse for this new month in my blog, another in the series of verses from the Bible that talk about service and work. From Colossians, verse 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

This is an important verse for me to consider, especially since I am just starting a new job. A new ministry. Sure, I need to be aware of the people I work for! However, I kind-of, sort-of get the hint from this verse that I need to have my priorities straight. I need to do my work for God, first and foremost. If I consider God before anything (and anyone) else, I suspect I will have a minimum of difficulties.

I relish having a varied position! Different kinds of things to do for work. I enjoy it, and am energized by it. I know that a certain kind of person prefers to have a set number of things to do each day or each week, and is comfortable within those set parameters. While I can work under those limited conditions, I find I appreciate the freedom of more options. Like this week, for instance. Just the past three days.

Not only did I familiarize myself with the church office, but I researched, wrote and preached a sermon, made the order of worship and led the Lenten midweek service, assisted Pastor Gordon at the midweek bible study, chose and practiced some service music for Sunday worship, did a good deal of praying for members and friends of the church, and had a number of extended conversations with some individuals—in terms of pastoral care and church activities.

Wow! What a way to be of service!

It’s true that God has given me a spirit of conscientiousness. Yes. Guilty as charged. So, I really try to do my very best—except now I don’t beat myself up for it if I do happen to miss the mark. It was at least twenty years ago; I used to do that. Beat myself up, that is. I would get really guilty, and feel badly, and my poor self-image would pound me even further into the ground. But gradually, God has helped me become more comfortable in my own skin. After a number of years of working on myself (and my Self), getting further training in seminary and several internships, and more than a dozen years of intentional therapy, it’s changed. I mean, I’ve changed. I pray, for the better!

With God’s help, I’m part of God’s team. I am able to step up to the plate (to use a baseball analogy). God’s the Manager in this ballgame. And I need to remember: even if I strike out two out of three times, a .333 batting average is pretty good! I don’t need to hit one out of the park all the time. Not even most of the time. Thanks for that assurance, God!

baseball – color sketch, 2005

@chaplaineliza
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Looking Ahead, Serving with Enthusiasm!

A Year of Being Kind blog –Sunday, March 16, 2014

Looking Ahead, Serving with Enthusiasm!

What a difference a day makes! Or, a few days, in this case. Today, I started serving in an interim position at a church in the Chicago suburb of Morton Grove. My arrival there was providential, to say the least. (I am sure I will say more about it, in the days ahead.) I am looking forward to a wonderful time of service.

One of my new responsibilities at the church is serving as interim music director. (They have a lovely digital piano!) I enjoyed playing the piano for the congregation this morning. I have been doing that on a periodic basis for two retirement centers in Chicago, about once a month. I’m sad to leave that part-time ministry, but happy and excited to move into a new, more varied one. Yes, I did active service today, by leading music, playing the piano, and praying in the church. I tried to be a blessing to the congregation.

Later today, I reconsidered the verse I’ve chosen for March, for this blog. It comes from Ephesians 6:7. “Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women.”  When I consider my new position, I am energized! Excited! May I say—enthusiastic? I think, yes.

I talked with one of my wonderful relatives this afternoon, who rejoiced with me over my new position. She has worked in corporate business for several decades. (She is wise in the ways of business and savvy in interpersonal communication, from a fast-paced, cut-to-the-chase orientation. So useful, and so appreciated!)  She often gives excellent advice. Today was no different. Her thoughtful, to-the-point words struck home with me. She said, “Whenever I go into a new management situation, I always tell myself that I will try to actively like all the members of my management team. Working together is always easier and smoother when we like each other.”

Wow, God. Such an excellent piece of advice! I can see how important this is. If I like, respect and, in a Christian context, pray for people I work with, work will always go more easily and smoothly. I knew this piece of advice said in a little different kind of way. I remember one of my seminary professors telling us to pray for the congregation, and invite the congregation to pray for us, as church leaders. Regular prayer helps me like them, and even love them. Which is what God commands, by the way. (And it’s really difficult to actively dislike someone I’m regularly praying for, besides.)

This is going to be a busy week. I have a conference to attend for several days (for my certificate for Alcohol and Drug Counseling, or CADC). And since it’s Lent, I need to prepare a brief service for Wednesday night, on top of everything else. Busy, busy! But God, I know You will be right there next to me. Thanks for this new adventure! And thanks for the assurance that “whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.”

@chaplaineliza

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How to Serve . . . with Enthusiasm?

A Year of Being Kind blog – Thursday, March 6, 2014

How to Serve . . . with Enthusiasm?

As I’ve said before, it’s a wonderful opportunity to find acts of service to others! Many spiritual and religious traditions raise up the practice of service, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and the Recovery program. Following the lead of these time-tested spiritual paths, I’m trying to find an intentional service opportunity every day, and then blog about these acts of service on a daily basis.

Intellectually, I agree with the verse I’ve chosen for March, which comes from Ephesians 6:7. “Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women.” But operationally, HOW do I do that? What does it look like?

My daughter and son have caught me out. They have noticed times when I try too hard, and put on my pleasant people-face and my smooth public-voice. Deep down, I don’t want to be “fake-y” or to put on a false face when I perform acts of service. However—I  know I sometimes do try to fake it. “Fake it until you make it,” as one common Recovery saying goes. I think this Recovery saying had situations similar to this in mind. People working on recovery from an addiction are advised to get involved in regular service to others, but service is sometimes the last thing recovering addicts or alcoholics want to do. Thus, “fake it until you make it.”

All the same, I am purposely trying not to try too hard. Humility in service is a challenging thing to pray for (and even more challenging to actually attain). I thought long and hard before I started this year-long adventure of service, because I do not want anyone to think I am trying to earn brownie points with God. Instead, these acts of service are a grateful, loving response to God. According to Ephesians 2:10, God has set out acts of service for me to do, already. After some talking (with several spiritual elders) and some hesitant praying, I finally figured I had better get to work and make myself available for some loving service opportunities.

So, what was my act of service today, you may ask? Several! I did a few needful things around the house for a friend of mine today. Plus, I was kind and I smiled at two clerks at a store. And, I sincerely listened while another friend told me of continuing difficulty with the landlord. None of these service opportunities were huge, but I think they were appreciated.

Whatever way you slice it, I think those acts of service all count. They were all loving, intentional acts, and I even was pleased to get a response to each one. I don’t always get a response! But this time, I did. And it felt good to me to help others. To be kind, and to serve others. The way that God (as I understand God) intends for me to do. Thanks for this task—I mean, this opportunity to serve others.

@chaplaineliza

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