Shadow of our Steeple

A lot of things happened in the ELCA this week.  Some people think good things while others think bad things.  All I can think of is that we can't let this divide us.  We must stand together in worship knowing that we have differences, but knowing that there are those out in the world who are helpless, hopeless, and hungry and they are waiting for us.  It seems as if at this time these things will define our church, but I beg to differ.  The things that will define my church is the fact the will cover refugees with thousands of quilts each year through LWR (Lutheran World Relief).  We will be defined by the love we show through LDR (Lutheran Disaster Response) standing with our Lutheran  brothers and sisters knowing that we all have never agreed on doctrine, but we can help those who need us.  

We can be defined by love and grace.  I heard a song this morning on the radio.  I remember the first time I heard it in while on internship in Michigan and purchasing the CD.  I heard it this morning and it reminded me of so much more!  It's the Casting Crowns song "Does Anybody Hear Her?"  The chorus goes something like this...

Does anybody hear her?

Does anybody see?

Does anybody even know she's going down today

under the shadow of our steeple 

with all the lost and lonely people

searching for a hope that's tucked away in you and me

No matter what our church has decided, we can not let those lost and lonely people stand in the shadow of our steeples and our churches while we live in the Son arguing over we can love.  

Finally, my friend Mark spoke at the assembly and was quoted in the New York Times for saying  “Let’s stop leaving people behind and let’s be the family God is calling us to be.”