Reunion

Maybe ifs, should ofs, could ofs all
Emotions from the decade boil
Deep inside our spirits gall
We wonder: Were our efforts worth the toil?

yes our discussions do reveal
our strife did touch a life or ten
When our memories we do unseal

The best now cools our doubt
Raining laughter douses our angst

We see now as we look back
How love did work in ways so coy
Carried us forward to bravely act
Creating precious moments of glorious joy

This day we sing "God Be With You,Until me meet again"
Keep us, guard us, God of love forgiver of Sin
Bring us home where our minds, hearts and souls can mend
Carrying forward all lessons learned here at Union!
SPM October 17, 2010

Different is Good

A different way of speaking
of Standing
of sitting

Who sticks out in the normal crowd?

A different way of thinking
A different way of writing
A different way of socializing

Who does not know the right rules?

A different way of playing
A different way of working
A different way of relaxing

Who does not blend in?

We look
We act
We sound
We smell
We hear
Differently!

But we are all the same

We breathe the same air
We taste the same water
We feel the same sun
We hear the best of life
We are all part of creation

No better, no worse, than another

SPM -2009

Inclusion

Recently I read an article, referred by a fellow clergy person who said to read it with an open mind. The article was on church growth and the failure of some churches to grow because their preoccupation with homosexual rights. The article then quoted how a Hispanic pastor who went on record in support of same sex relationships which caused quite an uproar in churches in Central America, to the point where that denominations churches were held as suspect for supporting this pastor, and rights for homosexuals.The article then went on to say the church is shrinking while other churches who have taken rigid stances against homosexual rights are growing, so we need to leave this issue behind.
My conclusion is much different, is it not shame that there are those who think there are those in the world who are not worthy of God's love even when Jesus promises that we all will be included in the kingdom due to God's grace, not due to anything we do or not do? I am so saddened by the violence done in the name of Jesus and especially when it comes to those who happen to born with a different sexual orientation than mine. Who are we to judge when it is Jesus who will judge, and how many suffer needlessly because they are hated for their sexuality, thrown out of churches, or even killed? Why can't we take a stand and say this hatred is contrary to God's love? Why do we chose to remain divided so the power of God cannot work to bring our world closer to peace? I remain as always confused about why we allow this issue to be a preoccupation when so many die of starvation, from war, from HIV/AIDS, are abused, and are striving to live. Anytime we say someone is not worthy of God and another believer is wrong to include this person, I believe God sheds a tear. I wonder is this being open minded enough?