Author: lakewooducc

Weekly Update 3/25

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Wednesday.  Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links.   THANK YOU!

Easter Ahead April 17!

The wonderful festival of Easter is just a few weeks away.  Please note there will be a change in the service schedule.  There will be two identical services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  The congregation is invited to meet and visit out on the lawn between services.  Both services will be streamed on Facebook Live.  Please make plans to be a part of this glorious celebration!  Remember – come at 9 or 11.  

This Sunday, March 27 is a time to revisit a very well-known story, the Prodigal Son, sometimes also called, the Prodigal Parent.  It’s a story that we can still learn from.  Are we ever done with mercy and grace and forgiveness?  Not as long as we are human!

Each Sunday as the war in Ukraine continues, there will be sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, on the altar as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainians. Last week the flowers were brought by Earl Waters. If you would like to bring flowers this week, please let Rev. Wells or the Church Office know.

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Join in the celebration on Sunday in person or on Facebook Live.  

Peace March Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

There will be a community march for peace in Ukraine this Sunday, March 27, at 4:00 p.m. beginning at the Dali Museum (One Dali Blvd., Downtown St. Pete).   There is free parking available.  Many different groups are involved including the Epiphany Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Petersburg.  Folks from LUCC, look for the Lakewood banner.  Wear church tee shirts if you have one.  Please join in this important march for peace.  The people of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg have many ties to Ukraine.  They are being sustained by the support of our community!  Be part of the march on Sunday!

Mask Policy at Church

For the past several weeks, there has been conversation at church about masking and updating the masking protocol at church.  The advisors and staff have had conversations.  The congregation has been invited to offer input.  There has been consideration of the issues at hand from many perspectives.  Many thanks to ALL who have contributed to the discussion.  Your input is valued.

After careful consideration of all of the information that has been received and the views that have been expressed, the advisors and church staff have decided that masks will remain mandatory at church on Sunday mornings and that congregational singing will resume.  

The decision has also been made that at the church during the week, masks will be optional depending on the sensibilities of those who are present.

There is much to take into consideration and the leadership of the church is concerned with being safe and protecting those who are most vulnerable.  

These latest decisions regarding masking at church will be revisited as public health circumstances change.

If you would like to discuss this further, please speak with Advisors Malcolm Wells, Barbara Donohue, or Lucille Ruga. 

The Sunday morning service will continue to be streamed live on Facebook and posted at the church YouTube channel.

Lent – The Wildness of Mercy

The season of Lent begins next Wednesday.  Please see the details about the Ash Wednesday service.  Lent is a 40 day period of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter.  The time echoes Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.  The season of Lent is a time to re-turn your life to God/Divine Love/Spirit – however you conceive of what is of ultimate importance in shaping your reality.  

Traditionally, people give something up for Lent.  This is a spiritual discipline that functions on many levels.  It reminds us of all that we have.  It invites us to exert discipline.  By foregoing something we care about, it is all the more precious when we enjoy it once again.  It sets the season apart and keeps us mindful.  In recent years, people have begun taking something on for Lent.  Maybe a volunteer activity or service of some kind.  Again, this functions to set the season apart, to revisit the concept of sacrifice, to follow in the way of Jesus.  Are you giving some thought to what you will take on or give up for Lent?  We’ll ask about that in church the next couple of Sundays.

At LUCC for Lent, the theme for services and other reflections and activities will be ‘The Wildness of Mercy.’  There is a well-known hymn, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy.”  With a typo, that easily becomes ‘There’s a Wildness in God’s Mercy.’  And sometimes mercy does seem pretty wild!  Themes involving nature will remind us of the wildness of Divine mercy and how blessed we are to be recipients of that mercy.  

In addition to Sunday morning worship and the weekly Labyrinth walks, there will be daily devotions posted to support you on your Lenten journey.  There will also be a couple of outings in nature to invite reflection and renewal.  Stay tuned for more details about those.  

In spite of covid and the many losses and changes we are experiencing, Lent is a wonderful season to remember that there is a wildness in God’s mercy!

USF St. Pete Program:  Preventing Dementia

The church has been contacted by USF about a research study called “Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT)”.  They are currently enrolling older adult participants at the USF St. Petersburg campus to participate in the program.  They are looking for adults 65 years and older to participate in this important study. For more information, click here.  https://lakewooducc.org/2022/03/25/usf-st-pete-program-preventing-dementia/

Mouse Needed

A computer has been donated to the church.  But a mouse is needed.  A plug in mouse that is compatible with a PC, not Apple.  If you have an extra one at home, please let the church know.  You can bring it on Sunday or leave it in the outside mailbox at the church.  Many thanks!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING AHEAD

The United Church of Christ joins forces each year to receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.  This special offering helps with needs around the world.  When you read about a terrible weather event, flooding, drought, or other devastating situations, you can know that your dollars are at work through local religious communities to offer assistance.  Here’s a link to more information from the national UCC: https://www.ucc.org/love-remains-long-term-and-worldwide-through-one-great-hour-of-sharing/?inf_contact_key=0cfd65371d22f479bfede083a268824fcc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d

Lakewood will be collecting this special offering on Palm Sunday April 10.  There are envelopes at church that can be used or indicate on your check or online donation OGHS.  This is an important way to love our neighbors and our enemies next door and around the world.  

New Opportunities for Immigration Justice

The Biden administration endorsed Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians currently in the US. So that effort was successful.

Here are two additional initiatives being supported by the  Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice.  LUCC is a member of this coalition.  

Legislators will be voting on SB 1808/HB 1355 which looks to harm local governments by dictating their municipal contracts and forcing law enforcement agencies to waste taxpayer dollars to enter into federal immigration agreements. This bill will also reduce travel into the State of Florida, further harming our economy, and harm immigrant children by preventing them from reuniting with family residing in Florida.

Also, it Redefines “sanctuary policy” by broadening the definition to include local policies that limit a law enforcement agency from providing information to a state entity regarding the immigration status of someone in the custody of law enforcement.

We ask that you please join in taking action against these bad bills. Make sure to share with your congregation, leaders, and friends.

TAKE ACTION HERE

The second initiative encourages the Biden administration to support humanitarian aid to Ukrainians within Ukraine as well as refugees.  Here is additional information and a way to take action:  https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/92369/respond?mc_cid=0291e8ce30&mc_eid=5b2d782ff9

How to Help Ukraine

The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid.  There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com

The national United Church of Christ is also offering ways to support the Ukrainian people.  Here’s a link:  https://p2a.co/nGEvYVL?inf_contact_key=ad8269e3f149ec1ef1efd03de1e233aacc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d

Pardon Our Dust. . .

When you come to church, you may notice that the entry hallway is being redecorated.  Many thanks to those embarking on this project:  Sally Purvis, Colleen Coughenour, Patti Cooksey, Claire Stiles, and Bert Lee.  We are grateful for their efforts to make the space more serviceable and more appealing! 

Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach

Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg.  An average of 135 people are served each week.   LUCC was asked to collect toiletries to be distributed to the community at the meals that are provided on Saturday and Sundays each week.  This collection will be ongoing in addition to the food being collected for Operation Attack.  All are invited to donate the following items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, bar soap, wash cloths, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, travel size creams, shampoo, body wash, individual packets of Kleenex, hand wipes, toilet tissue, and paper towels.

Many thanks to Janet Blair and Jim Andrews for taking the donations to Celebrate Outreach.  

Inkjet Recycling

The church is continuing to collect used inkjet cartridges.  They are sent to a recycler and the church receives payment for the cartridges provided.  So, don’t throw out your cartridges.  Bring them to church.  Not only do they get recycled but they provide income for the ministry of the church.

Guided Labyrinth Walks

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property. It is available for use at all times.

Operation Attack Update

News from Operation Attack:  Making a Difference

OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Please wear a mask while in the church building.  While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.  

Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.

Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.

There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.

Please know that your safety is of primary consideration! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Sundays

Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.

Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:

Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/

On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.

To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.

If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures, we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.

March Birthdays: Carol Shores 3/1, Claudia Rodriguez 3/3, Yvonne Riesen 3/13, Ron Huff 3/19, Earl Waters 3/25, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Christopher and Dana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Recent Posts:

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

USF St. Pete Program: Preventing Dementia

Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study at USF St. Pete

The church has been contacted by USF about a research study called “Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT)”.  They are currently enrolling older adult participants at the USF St. Petersburg campus to participate in the program.  They are looking for adults 65 years and older to participate in this important study. For more information please view the following links:

pactstudy.org

https://spcampus.usf.edu/home/2019/01/29/clinical-trial-seeks-to-reduce-risk-of-alzheimers-delay-effects-from-disease/

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Lenten Devotion 3/25/2022

Devotion Twenty Four
Friday 3.25.22

In this season of Lent, we are concerned with re-turning our lives to God. Making the slight adjustments and drastic shifts needed to more fully live out the Love within us. And we look to Jesus to show us the way. The way to turn, what it means to live life in God and God’s dream. We look to Jesus for the teaching and modeling of what it means to live a godly life.

It is interesting that those who follow Jesus are referred to a disciples. One aspect being a disciple includes adhering to a certain doctrine. Accepting certain beliefs. We can talk about this as believing in Jesus. But when you dig deeper into the meaning of the word disciple, it comes from a root used for the word pupil and learner. So a disciple is someone who is being taught, learning something. This implies an area of study and a body of knowledge or a skill set that is being acquired. This we can think of as believing Jesus. Trusting what he is teaching us about how to live and how to be in community.

Another aspect of the understanding of the word disciple is related to the word discipline. Unfortunately, discipline is often used to describe punishment. There is no punishment involved in following Jesus except what we inflict on ourselves through neglect or poor choices. But the word discipline also involves the meaning of self control. Of paying attention and taking responsibility for our behavior and actions and words. Self control is something that is very much needed by those following Jesus. Not just so we can hold ourselves back from, say, stealing or cheating, but so that we become careful and measured in our speech and in our spending and in our use of time and in our awareness of the affects of our behaviors and words – on other people and on the natural environment.

Discipline is needed in the process of training. It is needed to acquire new skills and abilities. It is needed to mould character. It takes discipline to learn to play a musical instrument, for instance. It takes discipline to become proficient at a sport. It takes dedicated, methodical, intentional study and practice. Well, it’s like that with discipleship.

We seek to be disciples of Jesus. There is much for us to learn. There is much effort involved. There are wrong turns along the way. And the wildness of mercy drawing us back. We see the disciples in the gospels botching things right and left. It is not easy to re-orient your thinking and your behavior to the ways of the God of love in this crazy, misguided world.

So, if someone asks me. “Are you a follower of Jesus?” what will I say? “I’m learning.” What about you?

Prayer
We are grateful for the life-giving way of Jesus especially when we see the ways of death taking their toll around us. May we keep focusing on Jesus and his light. May we keep our eyes fixed on the path of Love. May we learn and practice and grow in our ability to reflect Divine Love in the world, especially where it is darkest. Amen.

Sermon 3/20/2022

Date: March 20, 2022
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 55 and Luke 13:1-9
Sermon: Tyrants, Towers, and Trees
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

In Louisiana there is a prison that keeps all inmates in solitary confinement. The food is passed through the door. And the lights are kept off much of the time. The prisoners are shackled even to shower. It’s basically a dungeon. And ALL of the prisoners are young people. Under 18. Children. They get no education. No counseling. They are considered the worst of the worst and this is how are treated at the Arcadiana Center for Youth. Punishment? Absolutely. Rehabilitation? Absolutely NOT. The guards are barely trained and starting pay is only about $27,000 a year. They are afraid of the young prisoners. Oh, and did I mention that the vast majority of the prisoners are Black? Eighty percent. But you already knew that.

As I read about this I found it horrific. How could this be going on in the US, the great champion of human rights? This is state sponsored child abuse. There is nothing redeeming, no rehabilitation in this lock up. What is supposed to happen to these kids for the rest of their lives??? They are not being helped in any way to become constructive members of society. They will simply continue to be a burden on society. Because society is making that happen. That is unconscionable. From a practical standpoint. From an ethical and moral standpoint. And certainly from a Christian standpoint.

In discussing this with my spouse, Jeff, of course we both agreed that this is heinous. But I had the impression that the prison was opened about a year ago. Jeff had the impression that the prison was opened many years ago. And we got into a discussion about that. I thought that the prison being opened just a year ago made it even worse. In today’s world, how could that be happening? You can understand if it was opened many decades ago and has just continued on without question. But to have just started it last year? Jeff did not agree. He felt that it was worse if it had been open longer because that meant more children would have been damaged by the experience there. We didn’t resolve anything. We let the conversation drop.

In thinking about it, why did I bring up the topic of when it opened? The focus should have been on the children and their treatment. What’s the difference when it started? It needs to be stopped. I was sidetracked and missing the main point. Going down a rabbit hole. Distracted, as we so often are. Wasting my energy on that which does not satisfy, as Isaiah says it. Things of no lasting value. The conversation should be about helping the children in the prison. And transforming the sick society that produces such a place of abuse. That’s what is important.

What is important. That is what we hear about in the gospel lesson this morning. The disciples ask Jesus about the guilt of those who were killed by Pilate as they made their sacrifices in the Temple. Were they worse than others? Is that why this happened to them? Or the people killed when the tower of Siloam fell. Were they worse than other bystanders? Is that why they got killed? The people want to discuss an accounting game. Keeping score. In hopes that they can avoid an untimely death – at the hands of a tyrant or a faulty tower. They are interested in self protection. And Jesus completely dismisses the idea that the sins of the people who died contributed to their deaths. Being better or worse has nothing to do with the deaths in either situation. It is not a matter of blessing and curse based on behavior. They are asking the wrong question. They are discussing the wrong issue, like the timing of the establishment of the juvenile prison. That is not the issue.

What is the issue? Life is fragile and uncertain. It may be short. Death is capricious. No one knows how long we will be here. So pay attention. Get on board with God. Embrace the reality of God. Don’t miss your chance to know the abundant life of joy and love and community. Take delight. Don’t keep score. Your life may end soon. Don’t miss it!

Then Luke gives us the parable of the fig tree. As with other parables, the story is meant to function on multiple levels and to have many meanings and to speak to different circumstances and people. So, we’ll look at some of that. We are told there is a landowner, a gardener, and a fig tree.

Let’s start with the fig tree. The story features a tree that is very important for food. Figs were valued because they could be eaten fresh in the fall, a tear shaped fruit, 1-2 inches long, with green, purple or brown skin depending on the variety, and sweet reddish flesh with crunchy seeds. Figs, as we know, can also be dried meaning that they can be stored and eaten year round. And the fig tree is one of the first plants cultivated by humans before even wheat and barley and legumes. So humans know a lot about growing figs.

The fig tree is also an important tree symbolically. In the Hebrew Bible there are several references to people living beneath their vine and fig tree in peace and unafraid. The fig tree is a symbol of fertile, flourishing life in peace and security. It represents the vision of the Jews living in their own land in peace and plenty.

So, the fig is an important tree as a symbol as well as for food and it is well understood as an agricultural crop. A mature tree was expected to bear fruit after three years. The tree in the story is three years old and it has not borne fruit. It is taking up space and soil and nutrients and resources but it is not producing. So, the landowner wants the tree removed and replaced. The figs are needed for food. This isn’t just an ornamental tree. Or a random tree in the forest. The gardener asks for one more year to nurture the tree, give it special treatment, promote its development and production of fruit. This is a risk. It involves the input of resources without assured return. It could be a waste. But the landowner agrees to the proposition of the gardener. One more year. The wildness of mercy.

The gardener will loosen the soil, perhaps add more nutrients and more rich dirt to stimulate the roots. Let’s take a moment to look closer at this plan. The dirt, the soil that enables the tree to live and grow has nutrients and bacteria and other components that are fostering the life of the tree.

In a scene in the novel, Bewilderment, by Richard Powers, the main character, astrobiologist Theo Byrne is sitting on the wet grass of the lawn with his nine year old son, Robbie:

“Robin dug his fingernails into the soil and pulled up ten thousand species of bacteria wrapped in thirty miles of fungal filament in his small hand.” [Richard Powers, Bewilderment, p. 177.]

Ten thousand species of bacteria wrapped in thirty miles of fungal filament in a single handful of dirt. That just begins to describe the composition of dirt, created by millions of organisms decomposing organic matter. Dirt. Earth. Soil. Humus. From the same root as the word humble and humility. Slowly and perfectly the correct growing medium forms to support life.

So the fig tree is benefitting not only from the time and efforts of the gardener, but it is benefitting from all that is being provided by nature – that has taken decades to produce through decomposition.

The tree is being fed by the soil. And the tree will be given water. Remember those verses we heard today from Isaiah?

All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, buy food and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk,
without money, without price!

What is needed is being provided for the tree. At no cost. To foster the flourishing of life. The fig tree will be given what it needs, provided by nature and good will, so that it can bear fruit.

Jesus is talking about this lavish network of support to promote growth and bearing fruit being provided for free. Out of the wildness of mercy. And it is available not only to the fig tree but to us! This lavish life!

And what the disciples are worried about is being on the naughty list. The gospel is calling attention to all that is being provided for us. To all we are receiving. So that we can live rich and full lives of meaning and purpose in the reality of God. Bearing fruit. Like the water and soil provided to a plant, we are being given all that we need. Not only food and water and figs, but also wisdom, grace, guidance, and love. All being given to us every day. So that we might thrive in the reality of God. On Earth as it is in heaven.

While we are busy calculating our accounts and trying to justify to ourselves that we are blessed and so will not be killed by a tyrant or taken out by a tower, we are being pointed to a reality that doesn’t depend on us. We are being shown all that we are receiving. That we are being given. Gift. The wildness of mercy. And it doesn’t depend on us. It is because of who God is not because of what we do or don’t do. We are being shown that it’s not about us. It’s not in our control.

What we can influence is our awareness of the blessings of life. Of the goodness of life. We can cultivate an awareness of what we are being given. We can pay attention to what we are receiving and how it is sustaining us. We can see the grace and sacredness of this precious life. And we can throw out our account books, our lists, and our legalism. Because we are receiving more that we can represent in words or numbers no matter how many zeros we use.

Jesus is reminding his followers to be mindful because time may be very short. Calamities happen. Death comes. Accidents, disease, crime, violence, Covid, we never know. God is not specifically inflicting these things. That is not the point. That is the distraction. Don’t waste your time and energy on things of no lasting value. The fig tree got a reprieve of a year. What would you do if you knew that you had but one more year to live? What would you do in that year? What would be so important to you? That is what Jesus is getting at. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the abundance of this life. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t get distracted. We don’t know how long we have. Don’t miss out!

Theologian and priest Suzanne Guthrie tells us: “Anchorites, [religious recluses] dug a trowel full of dirt from their grave each day, or hemmed their shrouds or slept in their coffins, not for some morbid exercise, but to emphasize life! Breathe now. Look at beauty now. Let the holy in you rise and be fruitful now. Now. Now.” [ http://www.edgeofenclosure.org/lent3c.html ]

Jesus is imploring his followers to change their orientation. The liberator God is eagerly seeking to offer real life – freed of greed, consumerism, accounting, images, scorekeeping, the daily “emergencies” that distract and keep us from looking deeply at what matters. The future is not in the hands of a tyrant or a building code. Look at Jesus, the one known for being sinless. He dies on Golgotha. Our future is in our hands. Instead of trying to justify ourselves, we are to appreciate all that is being given. The caring and tending we are receiving like that fig tree being babied by the gracious gardener. And when we realize all that is gift, sacred, miracle, each breath, then we can bear fruit. The fruit of gratitude. Tending to each other, especially those who are languishing. The time is short.

There are those children in the prison in Louisiana. A former staff person there says: “These kids were in their cells with no beds on a concrete floor with a state-issued green mattress — flame retardant — a blanket and a sheet and nothing else. No light. No nothing.” [https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/03/10/no-light-no-nothing-
inside-louisiana-s-harshest-juvenile-lockup . “No Light. No Nothing.” Beth Schwartzapfel, The Marshall Project; Erin Einhorn, NBC News; and Annie Waldman, ProPublica.] It doesn’t matter when it started. It needs to be stopped. Cut off. Yesterday. The law doesn’t allow us to treat a dog like that. And the state is doing that to children? And we need to ask why these young people, these children, are becoming criminals? Children need to be tended. Of course they need more care and nurture than a tree. Fertilize, hoe, water, trim, weed, deadhead, divide, whatever it takes to foster full and abundant life. Where is that care? Not only for those children languishing in Louisiana but for all children, for all people, and for this precious planet, our deeply abused mother, and all of its species. We are distracted with the wrong matters, the concerns that are not of value, that do not satisfy. Jesus calls us back to life! He urgently promotes flourishing life for us and for the world. Time is short. Life is fragile. We may have a year. Or we may only have today. Amen.

A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Lenten Devotion 3/24/2022

Devotion 23
Thursday March 24, 2022

I don’t know about you, but if I have a scab that is exposed, I will probably want to pick at it. Help it along. Even though I know that may introduce infection or delay the healing process. Even though I know that at the right time in the healing process, my body will release the scab. With no help from me. I will still probably pick at a scab.

I also know what it is to be embroiled in a situation that I have no control over and cannot change but also cannot get out of my mind. I find myself thinking about it. And regurgitating it with others. Obsessing over it. Because it is bothering me. Yet re-hashing is not resolving anything. Does this happen to you?

I also have a very good memory. Just ask my spouse. As soon as we are having an altercation about something, I can think of all the previous instances that provide validation for my viewpoint. Yes, I know that the rules of fair fighting say stick to the matter at hand, and don’t use the words ‘always’ and ‘never.’ But sometimes the temptation is irresistible when you are given so much to work with!

It’s not surprising that I love the Garth Brooks song of yesteryear, “We Bury the Hatchett and Leave the Handle Sticking Out.”

Given my proclivities to revisit the past, I did major in history after all, I was very interested to learn that the root of the word for ‘forgiveness’ in Greek is, well, ‘let it alone.’

Let it alone. I have been thinking about that and how it ties into forgiveness. Let it alone. It’s one thing to say, “I forgive you” whether the other person asks for forgiveness or not. And there are those times when we need to ask for forgiveness from others. Yet so often we hear, forgive and forget. Well how easy is it to forget when you have been hurt or offended or wronged? How easy is it to forget when you have done something that has been devastating to someone else? Even if they have forgiven you? Sometimes forgetting is simply not an option nor should it be.

But what about forgive and ‘let it alone.’ Don’t obsess over it. Don’t keep digging it up. Don’t keep revisiting it. Don’t let it consume you. Forgive. And Let. It. Alone. Let the situation or the person stop having power over you. I like that! That is a mercy I can embrace.

Prayer
As human beings we are by nature imperfect. We make mistakes. We hurt ourselves and others. We endure wrongs. Harm befalls us. We cause pain to one another. As we reflect on the wildness of mercy, may we practice not only forgiveness, but may we also learn to ‘let it alone.’ Amen.