A Note from The Ministry Team:
Healing is hard work. How do we begin to heal? Reverend Laura Mariko Cheifetz gave us a starting point in her sermon Sunday on the beheading of John the Baptist. She brought our attention to the verse when John’s disciples came and retrieved the body so that they could bury him. They could have run and scattered, or stayed at home, afraid of the association with an executed political prisoner, wallowing in their grief. But they showed up in solidarity to be the community that cared.
In the world of rehabilitation and counseling, it is an established fact that folks do better with the rigors of rehab when they can interact with others who are on a similar journey. Comparing notes, establishing camaraderie in a similar challenge, and seeing others get better combines to make for better outcomes. And this applies to healing from the hurts and injuries of everyday life as well. But where does one find fellowship with others who are suffering and struggling with living life on the planet? The answer, of course, is the Beloved Community. This is not to say that it is easy being together in community and helping one another heal; but Romans 12: 9-18 (The Message) gives us a pretty good primer on “Becoming the Beloved Community.”
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies, no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Blessings and Healing on the Journey,
The Ministry Team (Janis Brown, Lori Bryant, Paul DeArman, Mary Alice Do)
P.S. Opportunities abound to work on healing, both singularly and in community. Check out the Healing resource guide this week to learn about welcoming gratitude into your life. Join us on Thursday night for exploring healing through scripture, music and prayer. Show up at one of the many ZOOM get togethers throughout the week; or sign up for the free introduction to Racial Resiliency offered on Saturday AM July 24th.
