Listen: Matthew West, Strong Enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knuHDPbE5es&feature=fvwp&NR=1
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13)
"What we have to remember is that we can still do anything," Marina Keegan wrote to fellow graduates. "... We can't, we must not lose this sense of possibility because in the end, it's all we have."
Not too long after writing those lines for her school newspaper, Marina died in a car accident. Before her death, she was planning to move to Brooklyn, to continue her life as a writer and play-write.
Thanks to the internet, Marina's last words were read, as far away as Asia.
Marina's words to her fellow students can apply to us as well: "We're in this together, 2020. Let's make something happen to this world."
We all have heavy crosses to bear, from time to time. The last 2 1/2 months we have been reeling from COVID19, forced to stay home, we have lost jobs. Some of us have caught this virus, or know loved ones who have been sick. Dear ones have died. We have had heavy responsibilities at work -- church -- deadlines that are looming and we don't know how we're going to get there with all that is going on. Conflicts we don't know how to resolve.
Scripture teaches us over and over again, that we can't do things on our own. It is God's strength that carries us through the changes, hardships and transitions of life. God is present to us in spirit. God is also present to us through the love and support of our friends and family.
Before the corona virus hit, I had to attend a difficult meeting. My stomach was in knots over it. A friend of mine dropped everything, and insisted on going with me. She waited in the lobby, hungry and thirsty as the meeting wore on. It was a painful meeting, but I got through it, because of the love of God that worked through her actions. I knew I wasn't alone. It made all the difference in the world.
That's the kind of faith we are called to, to be present for each other. That's the possibility we are called to reach for. That's what we can make happen in the world. Through Christ, through each other.
We have many heavy burdens to face as a church, as we discern how to reopen the building and onsite worship and resume programs. Let us be Christ for each other and carry this burden together.
We can do this.
We got it!
We are in this together!
It is Christ who gives us strength.
PRAY: "God, help me to lean on your strength in whatever I face. Help me to give strength to others who need extra help."
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