In Remembrance of 9/11

This is a poem Catherine wrote shortly after the attack in 2001 and shared with our church family several days before the year anniversary of this tragic event. Hard to believe 11 years later we are still in a war as a result of 9/11. May we continue to pray for all persons impacted by this tragedy then, now and in the years to come.

Above all else let us live as faithful followers of the Prince of Peace and, in the words of the author of the Letter to the Colossians: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other….” (Colossians 3:12-13, NRSV) 
 Statement from Bishop Goodpaster prior to the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

Thistle Farming

I am a thistle farmer. Before this weekend (May 4-6, 2012), I had no clue what that meant. Most of us pictured arriving at an idyllic farm filled with beautiful purple flowers. Little did we know that the whole reason for the name "thistle" farms is because it grows in places most people wouldn't travel. Thistles can be spotted under bridges, on banks and around railroad tracks-just to name a few spots.

We were fortunate enough to pick alongside experts from the Magdalene House. They knew precisely how to angle and cut the thistles so as not to be punctured by the prickly stalks. Brittany and Tonya shared their story of living on the streets and living without purpose. When they found this recovery program, they began to experience community and love in a new way. From the thistles, healing body products are made such as lotions, soaps and shower gel. The entire process represents the struggles of the women in recovery and their renewed sense of self-worth.

As we traveled the streets of Nashville, we fixed our eyes on these thistles growing wild. Even a policeman stopped us and asked us, "what in the world do you want with those things?" We wanted what most people considered a nuisance. Sounds like Jesus, doesn't it? He talked to the woman at the well, the same as his disciples.

As we drove back from Nashville, we were quick to spot patches of thistles; however, on the drive up we had not even noticed those same purple flowers. When I returned to Gastonia, there was a thistle spotting on Belvedere Avenue. I had to ask myself, " how many other things and people in God's creation have I ignored?" What else have I walked by and not given its proper attention? As usual, the mini-mission trip was supposed to be about helping others, but I gained so much perspective from this experience.