Church of United Skates

I believe God uses everyday life, objects, and circumstances to reveal biblical truth. This happened last Sunday when my husband and I went roller skating.

Our roller-skating outing was a final hurrah before I started teaching again. As we hadn’t been to United Skates in three years, skating was slow going. It took some time to refamiliarize ourselves with movement patterns, balance, and timing. Yet it was this snail-like speed that allowed me to observe other skaters.

There were skaters of all kinds. The very young, using skate bumpers to aid their fledgling skating skills. The very old, going slower than me and my husband. Teenagers who were calmly and cooling making their way on the skate floor. The skate rink was home to people of all ages, ethnicities, and genders. People of all ability levels. People skating to their own rhythm. People crashing at every turn—kids face planting, teenagers taking spills, and adults being taken out by children who hadn’t yet learned how to stop. Yet, all were there for the purpose of having fun and doing something they loved and enjoyed.

Amid this observation, I couldn’t help but think, this is the church. Or rather, the church as Jesus intended it.

Like the skate rink, the church is home to the young, the old, the middle-aged. It’s comprised of people of different genders and ethnicities. People of different socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and professions. People who are at different points on their spiritual journey. People who are making strides to improve their lives, and who sometimes crash and burn in the process. The church, the ekklesia, ἐκκλησία, is a gathering of “called out ones.” It’s a meeting brought together by one main purpose—Jesus.

When we look at the gospels and epistles in the New Testament, we discover that Jesus drew people of all kinds. Yet, there is often a disparity between what we see in our churches and what we see in the New Testament. If our churches aren’t mirroring Jesus’ vision, then perhaps we should take our cue from United Skates.

The Mother Without A Name

I had the honor of preaching on Mother’s Day last Sunday. This sermon was for all mothers—past, future, and present—including my own mom and all those who have “mothered” me (and still do). May you be encouraged and inspired by the role you play in God’s larger plan.

I start preaching at about the 37 minute mark.

The Caterpillar Has Risen! (He Has Risen Indeed!)

I submitted this piece to Geez magazine last year; however, they didn’t move forward with publishing it in their spring edition. It was my attempt at “flash nonfiction,” which Geez defined as, “…short (25-300 words), personal experiences or insights. Your piece should capture a moment that illuminates a larger issue or convey a feeling familiar to us all. This is a chance to bring hope, insight, emotion, and connection to readers. Think of it as a snapshot with words.” I share it below. May you reflect on, and experience, the power of the Resurrection this Easter.

I witnessed a caterpillar resurrection.

Here’s the story.

One morning, as I pulled into my best friends’ driveway, I noticed the dad, and his two little boys paying homage to the furry, black caterpillar they’d recently found and adopted. No longer eating, moving, or responding, the dad had declared the caterpillar dead. The oldest son was distraught. As he tried to grasp the concept of death, and wrestled with the abstractness of finitude, his heart broke. Our empathy provided him little solace.

As we made our way into the house, the oldest grabbed the deceased caterpillar, and shouted, “Auntie Jess, God can give him life! Let’s pray!”

My mind raced with every possible objection to his request. I felt silly. No, absurd. How could I explain to this 4-year-old that God was capable, yet selective? My heart broke as I contemplated the disappointment he would re-experience when the caterpillar remained in the grave.

Again, his confident voice, “God can make him live again! Auntie Jess, let’s pray!”

My objections were no match for his childlike earnestness.

My prayer, “Dear God, you love all your creatures. Bring this caterpillar back to life.”

Three days later, (yes, three days), the dad sent me a video of the revived caterpillar. Eating, moving, responding.

My mind raced with every possible objection to this revival.

God’s voice, “My daughter, I do love all my creatures. From the caterpillar, to the child, to you. I reveal my power to all. From the caterpillar, to the child, to you.”

My objections were no watch for God’s response.

Christian Leader Article

I recently had an article published in Christian Leader Magazine. I was blessed in writing it. I hope you’re blessed in reading it.

https://christianleadermag.com/hope-for-all-seasons/