Thinking of You

The pews had filled in. The church was packed. The music was acoustic. Pastor Nancy was 2 rows ahead of me sitting with some visitors. Hands raised during a worship song. She was fully present. It ran through my head how she had shared at bible study the other night that she was the happiest she'd ever been. Her dog, herself, her life, her house that you could see the ground beneath the floor, her horse, her community, her relationships...years after finally surrendering to God's Will.

A second later, someone walked up the aisle and told Pastor Randy that Pastor Nancy was needed outside. Within minutes, we knew that her house was on fire. Her house had been on fire. As I pulled into church, I stopped for fire vehicles. I lifted up a prayer for whoever they may be going to.

I never would have imagined that person would be an arms-stretch away from me. 

Immediately the dynamic changed. People immediately were up, buttoning their coats, and headed to get to where they were needed most. Prayers were lifted up for her beloved lab, named Labby, that lived inside the house.

What a place to be when tragedy strikes? There are oh-so-many complaints about churches and the people within them not being oh-so-Christiany yet not-oh-so-Christiany outside the building or not liking oh-this-style-of-worship or just getting it wrong. Statistics show that many young adults view the church a judgmental, critical, uncaring, and hypocritical. And, I'm just as guilty on all accounts. But, ultimately, no one is perfect. We're all broken and sinners. We're all in need of grace. And, I struggle daily.

One thing that we got right today was when someone is in need...love is flowing.  At a time of need, true heart is exposed. 

Today, sure put life into perspective...again.

Moral of the Story: From the local newspaper...“When she showed up here (Sunday) that didn’t surprise me,” said Orndorff. “You come to your faith community and that’s where you’ll find your place to cry.”