Posts tagged pain
Naming the Nameless
Naming the Nameless

In her recent sermon, Vicar Allison Vincent-Beckman explores the story of the two women who came to King Solomon in a state of hurt, looking for a solution. She attributes names and extrapolates stories by which to try to understand them better and thereby understand why they acted and reacted as they did. One woman is sanctified by her willingness to sacrifice while the other remains hurt and lost. But both are alone, failed by their community. It is a reminder that “we have a responsibility to speak up for the widow, the orphan, and the alien in our land.”

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Communicationssolomon, violence, circumstance, understanding, pain, hurtComment
Peace in the Storm
Peace in the Storm

In these tumultuous times, may we trust in God as we process our loss, upheaval, grief and pain. May we trust that God is present with us, working to make all things new. Let’s take time to listen and notice the signs of hope and God’s presence in the world and people around us: the beauty of the sunset, the vibrant colors of the leaves falling to the ground, the sound of children laughing in our neighborhood, the song of the birds outside our window.

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Communicationspeace, pain, childbirth, God's will, God's strength, trust in God, chaos, uncertaintyComment
To Forgive Is Not To Forget
To Forgive Is Not To Forget

There is a general perception about forgiveness that suggests when one is wronged to forgive also means to forget what happened and move on. This type of forgiveness is not what Paul describes in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul is the one who was hurt and pained and he does not simply forget it happened. For Paul, forgiveness requires a bringing to light of what happened. In order for true forgiveness to take place, there needs to be an element of confession of what has happened so all parties can move forward together.

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Pastor MikePaul, forgiveness, pain, forget, healing, sins, confession, hurtComment
Bound By Your Neighbor's Affliction
Bound By Your Neighbor's Affliction

Affliction is real, especially right now in ways that are seen and unseen. But it is our God’s work of love and consolation that offers rays of resurrection hope about what tomorrow could look like with God’s help. We may feel that comfort today, but we can never forget we are bound to our neighbor’s affliction. And until such a time when affliction is gone, we are all in this suffering together.

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Pastor Mikeaffliction, suffering, pain, Corinthians, Jesus, resurrection, consolationComment