Hand in Hand

The youth illustrated that they are walking hand in hand with God and one another on their faith journey. This photo was taken on Palm Sunday as the youth hiked Crowders Mountain!

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.

No One Stands Alone by Hope McIntosh

Good morning! My name is Hope McIntosh. I am a junior at Ashbrook High School and have been fortunate enough to have grown up in this church community. It was the morning of February 1, 2011 when we got the call that my grandmother, Derice Falls, had passed away. Even though my family had been expecting this for quite some time, you’re still never really ready to let go of someone that has held such an enormous role and been so involved in your life. As many of you know, Maggie Horne sends out a prayer text to our fellow youth group, members of our church, and friends upon request. This is why my first response to the horrible news was to reach for my phone and text both Maggie and Becky. It just so happened that the Senior Hi’s were having prayer breakfast that morning, as we do on the first Tuesday of every month. I was unable to attend that morning because I had been sick for several days, so my day was already ruined before I had even heard about my grandmother. Things just kept getting worse, and I felt very lost and alone considering I had never been faced with such a serious death in my family or anything else of the same magnitude. Becky came by my house later with just what I needed at the time: breakfast, hugs, and most importantly, prayer. She then went on to tell me that her devotion that morning was based around my grandmother’s gracious and generous acts of kindness. I was taken aback by this “aha” moment, or an incredible surprise by God. It allowed me to realize that I was not going to have to face this battle alone because God was watching out for me, along with all of the rest of my friends and family. Just a year ago, my great grandmother passed away as well. My mom went by Covenant Village to read to her before she headed to her Sabbath group. She read a scripture out of Psalm, chapter 46 verse 10, “Be still and know that I am God.” And in another surprise by God, sure enough, Psalm 46:10 just so happened to be the primary scripture being applied at their Sabbath study that night. While there, my mother received a call that the time was near. She was embraced in prayers and hugs by an incredibly supportive group of ladies. Once again, Becky stopped by Covenant to stay with my mom, but then she traveled over to my house to discuss with my dad how to inform me of what had occurred because I was not in town but in the mountains for our annual youth Ski Retreat. I could not have been in a more comforting environment than the one I was given in that moment. My friends and counselors stood by my side through the whole thing and did not leave me until they were sure I was a little bit better, just as my mother’s friends had done for her. It is no accident that my family was not alone. God is in charge, completely, and he proves it to us on a daily basis. Sometimes we are afraid to share or afraid to be vulnerable to others. It is crucial to remember that the great things in life are not as great if you are alone, and the terrible things can seem even worse. I am blessed with an incredible support system in my family and friends, but equally important is my church family. Even though I rely heavily on all of these people, I remember that God is responsible for putting these people into my life and never putting me into a situation that I cannot handle. Through these difficult times, God was there—watching over me and protecting me. I was not forced to stand alone. I am never forced to stand alone, and neither are you. No one stands alone. Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 reads “Have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Like Joshua, we are promised that we should not be afraid, for the Lord will be with us no matter what the circumstances may be or where we go. Joshua did not stand alone. I do not stand alone. You did not and do not stand alone. No one stands alone.

Never Forgotten

While my family was in Denver, CO for the Women's Basketball Final Four, we took the opportunity to visit Columbine Memorial Park.

On April 20, 1999, in a senseless act of violence, twelve students and one teacher were killed and many others wounded at Columbine High School It was a tragic event that shocked the Denver community and saddened the nation. The memorial is dedicated to the victims, so that they are "never forgotten."

I felt as if I were standing on Holy Ground and there were indeed angels all around. Charlie, Catherine and I stood in awe and silence as we read marker after marker of the community's reflections of that horrific day.

One of the parents shared, "I hope people come to this place to think about how they themselves can be better people rather than come here to reflect on death." So, with this parent's desire, my quest began to find hope in this park. I found Rachel's marker. She is the student that responded to the gunman's question "do you believe in God" and she said "you know I do." I hope I can demonstrate that same unflappable faith in the face if death.

The next plaque was a student saying they were laughing and then it turned to crying and he thought, why is this happening to us. It reminded me that we all go through circumstances in life that cause us to ask "why," even Christ cried out in frustration, but our hope is in the living Christ. I tweeted a picture of this frame to the youth during prayer breakfast on Tuesday and Rawlings was able to share a devotion based on my experience.

On this particular day, I looked out at the landscape of the Colorado Rockies and found hope in our Creator. It was truly breathtaking. I prayed to an awesome God, giving thanks for this opportunity to find Sabbath in the extreme reverence afforded this place. It felt eerily similar to visiting Ground Zero in New York City after the attacks of 9/11. I also prayed that as a nation and community we have learned from these events. That somehow we get up and we change the way we act. Living out John Wesley's three simple rules would be an excellent start: to do good, to do no harm and to stay in love with God. We walked back to the car in silence, only stopping to place an offering in the box.

One of the final markers read "those of us who are people of faith in this community turned to God, found He was there and found He wasn't silent." I left that day feeling renewed, hopeful and grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with Charlie and Catherine.

I too, turned to God, found He was there and found he wasn't silent.

March Madness

March madness has always been one of my favorite times of the year. When I was in Shelby recently, one of my high school friends reminded me of the time we had a UNC party and we served Carolina blue pimento cheese sandwiches. Well I wont be doing that this year, but I will be dialed in to the ballgames. My mother traveled with me to a variety of venues for basketball games. As she marveled at the crowd, her comment was always "wouldn't it be wonderful if our churches were this full on Sunday ". I doubt she was just talking about the sheer numbers, although that would be an outstanding Sunday worship service, but she must have also meant the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the event. I never watch a game that I don't ponder her words in my heart. My dad often laughed about the number of times we looked at our watch during church hoping it would be over soon. While at a good ballgame, we cheered fervently for overtime!

Now less you think I am selling out March Madness that is not the purpose of this post; however, the dynamics do merit our attention.
Perhaps this Lenten season we should prepare for our spiritual journey the way we get ready for March Madness. Focus on scripture, the way we absorb information about our favorite team. Arrange our schedule to be in church as faithfully as we carve out time for the big dance. And finally, be the catalyst in our community to help everyone achieve their ONE SHINING MOMENT. Who would have thought basketball and faith had so much in common? My mother and father! Thanks for the lessons you are still teaching.

Passionate Faith

Last night at the Teen Trialogue the moderator asked the question "What means the most to you about your faith?" Our Muslim friends mentioned praying 5 times a day, fasting and the responsibility of personal choice.
Our Jewish friends proclaimed their rich heritage, their value on community and making the lives of others better.
One of our Protestant students looked at me after these responses and said I wish we, meaning Christians were that passionate about our faith.
And my answer, we can be! This Lenten journey gives us the opportunity to pray more fervently, to sacrifice something as a reminder of the responsibility of the choices we make everyday, to show up when the community of faith gathers and to live a life of service to others. You see, we are alike in many ways, but how we Live Out Loud our faith is up to us. We have to step it up! Religion is participatory. it is a relationship with God and one another. It is about serving those we like and those we don't like it. It is about standing up for justice even when it is not popular. It is about being kind all the time, not just when we're in a good mood. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
So I ask you "What means the most to you about your faith?" And how do others know it?
Take the opportunity this Lenten season, to develop a passionate faith.

Stepping Back in Time

For about six hours yesterday, I was without my cell phone. No, it was not an exercise in discipline for the Lenten season. It was lost, plain and simple. I had dropped it in the parking lot at the women's ACC tournament in Greensboro. But I didn't panic because I have a sidekick that I use to text, so I could still communicate with the outside world. So I proceed with my plans to meet a college student from church for lunch and do a bit of shopping. Life is good, right? Wrong, when I get ready to meet Catherine at the hotel, my sidekick has died and I have no navigation system. Now I am digitally disconnected and I am LOST and ALONE. There are no pay phones, I'm out of town and don't know anyone well enough to ask. I am sure by now Catherine is wondering why I am not responding and has probably called Charlie to alarm him as well. As a last resort, I say a prayer. " Lord, give me patience and let me figure this out." P.S. before dark would be great! So I tried to gather myself and re-group.
My sense of direction is pretty bad but I knew I was staying near the airport so I followed signs toward "airport," but still was not at my final destination. In fact, the sign said Va State line-1 1/4 mile!
Time for prayer again. " Lord, help me figure this out.Show me a sign." And soon, I see the lights on Celebration Station and I know I am close. Finally, an hour later I get to the hotel. As I suspected, Catherine is on the phone with her dad, both worried. I began to replay the entire scenario.
The whole time I was riding around, I kept thinking how dependent we have become on technology. Our GPS has replace the ability to read a map or use road signs and landmarks. How connected we stay to one another 24-7. Talking on the cell phone is second nature. As I write this blog, I am embarrassed to say how desperate I was before prayer was a "go to" option. Doesn't this sum up our 21st century dilemma? We chose everything else to meet our needs but the ONE who can. Following Jesus means risking the safety, security, and success of this world to fully rely on God. IT TOOK ME GETTING LOST, TO FIND MY WAY!