Not Religion but a Lighthouse

 

A thought-provoking chat popped up in our Women’s Bible study that triggered my thoughts about labels which creep into our identity.  

The question taken from John 17:9, refers to realizing I am a child of God but sometimes I pick up an identity that seems to get in the way of living like one.  For instance, I love the Lord but I do not see myself as a religious person.  A few years ago, a family friend commented to me:  “You’re opinion surprised me; you were raised in the same religion as me.”  Clearly, being born into a religion is not my identity.  Some do not understand a relationship with Jesus apart from religious activity.

 

With regard to the China Virus we currently deal with, I believe the virus, itself, is real, yet I feel it’s become a political red herring to control individuals, especially Christians.  I notice the Lord has not stopped this reset despite everybody’s prayers.  I wonder if, He too, would like to see some changes!  I’ve been frustrated with Sunday rituals and the lack of relevance to today’s culture in the messages.  I hope for less government-led church services where they are told what they can and cannot say and more lighthouses to take the system’s place.  Imagine if Jesus followers would shine as bright lights to the despairing.  Imagine the faithful alert and ready to see where they can bring hope, regardless if it’s Sunday or not.  

Last week, my daughter, Amy, and I took advantage of the end-of-summer sales at the mall.  We drove to a local hot spot for lunch.  Amy paused with me in front of the restaurant sign and a friendly woman approached us, noticed our attempt at a selfie, and offered to take our picture.  

We shared with her about our mother-daughter outing.   She warned Amy to enjoy every minute of our day; she lost her mom at nine years old.  We invited her to have lunch with us but she declined.  She was there to pick up a quick sandwich for her bedridden husband of 49 years, who’s very sick with pancreatic cancer.  We expressed our hope that they’ll reach fifty years.  She divulged it was only a few months away!  Amy suggested we pray for her, but sensed her discomfort.  We promised to keep her in our prayers and believe for a miracle; she liked that.  This dear gal has been on my heart.  Tom and I celebrated our 49^th wedding anniversary just two weeks ago.  I can’t imagine her pain. 

My initial point, to be the church and not just religiously attend one, calls for effort on my part if I really believe I can share hope in this hurting world.  I believe it is what Jesus had in mind when he established the Ecclesia, a fancy church word for assembly. We need love, not walled buildings.  Frightened people now especially need help; have you noticed? 

 I feel blessed Tom and I made it to forty-nine years without killing each other.  Instead of traveling, we celebrated our anniversary at home with our loving family.  The grandchildren helped me make a cake, a wedding cake recipe from a girlfriend, and we iced it with homemade frosting tinted pink.  It was the best, I tell you!  Here’s the recipe.  Click here.

 In closing, I’m thankful for summer’s memories, for all the blessings and I’m hopeful for a bright future.  Let’s look for opportunities to love one another.  Let’s be powerful lighthouses.  No one can take that away!  The government can shut down the church building but not the shining faithful!