Flickr photo by spapax, creative commons
Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed to find myself in ever-enlarging, ever-linking and merging circles of the family of God, that I'm afraid to speak for the blubbering tears that might come out.
So Friday night, as I grabbed Todd's hand and pulled him toward the doors of the Charlotte Convention Center, I tried not to make eye contact with anyone, sure that the sight of God in one more face would turn me into a less mascara-ed, smaller haired version of Tammy Faye.
I'd made the trip to Charlotte for two nights in a row because I thought it'd be fun to take part in my denomination's national assembly. But by the end of the second service, my eyes had taken in about as much beautiful community and worship and joy as these peepers could hold.
This circle of God's family was led by smart women and beautiful men, (and vice versa!) young and old, black and white, the mildly musically talented, and the man singing opera behind me Friday night. (Whoa dude, that's quite a joyful noise!)
And if that wasn't enough, I had come to Charlotte already brimming with gratitude.
In the past few weeks, I've discovered more about the faith of people all around me, including you sweet people, my old and new friends. I've felt welcomed into circles of Episcopalians and Methodists, Catholics and Baptists, Quakers and Presbyterians, circles of every hue in Christ's crayon box.
I can feel these circles merging and morphing, changing and dancing, just like the circle Karen Dresser depicts in her art.
I can't help thinking of Psalm 133.
How good and pleasant it is
when God's people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Psalm 133:1-3, Today's New International Version
Precious indeed! Thank you for being part of my circle.
Have a wonder-full Monday, y'all!
Love, Becky
17 comments:
Ahh, there is peace in unity. I have been made more aware of the undertones of unity through the New Testament as well.
What a beautiful post. I love that love brings you to tears. It works that way for me too. Well, love, beauty, sorrow. I cry at just about anything. ;)
It reminds me of this lovely post.
http://accordingtothebook.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-blog.html
I think you'd like it. :)
YOU are such a blessing with your posts! I save your post until last so I can let it soak in and I can enjoy it. Bless you.
Sarah, yep, it was hard to pick which scripture to include with this post! I really liked Jesus' own prayer about unity in John 17:20, "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you."
Kat, I do love that post on tears! Beautiful!
Cathy, it's been a crazy day and your words make me feel so good. Thank you, my friend, for being such a blessing!
What a picture you've created for me--all God's people gathered together. That's what it'll be like in Glory someday!
Isn't it awesome how when people unite in peace under the name of Jesus? Don't you know the Lord rejoices over us all with singing?
Let me try this again-
First of all, you could never be a smaller haired version of Tammy Faye...although that made me laugh.
Second, I loved the visual I had when I read we are all a part of God's crayon box. How true. Some young and perfect complete with the just out of the box, smell. Others have torn paper wrappings worn from the pictures created throughout life.
Good stuff.
Thanks for dragging me to Charlotte. I look forward to making that trip for many years to come.
This is beautiful, Rebecca. I know exactly how you feel!
GG, it's great to get glimpses of it already!
Lynn, singing or tears of joy!
Amy, yes, some of us have our paper wrapping a little ruffled.
Todd, sweetie, I didn't have to drag you-just entice you a bit. I'm glad that you loved it too.
Hey Sherri, unity is a beautiful thing indeed!
I love the crayon box analogy too, and that beautiful artwork of the women of all colors in a circle of unity. You are very adept at taking just the right verse (or two) from Scripture and fitting it into your post. It really brings the Word alive in a new way. So glad I am among your widening circle of unity. :) Not sure if you got a chance to tune in yesterday, but it is such a blessed opportunity, this radio gig. I do it on a volunteer basis, a couple times a month, and I really do love it.
Blessings in your week!
Hey Roxane, I did hear you on the radio! That's such a cool thing to do, and you sounded great.
I'm glad we're in each other's circles too!
Oh Becky, we might be related, you know. I get teary eyed when I'm in churches too. Something about all the people coming together out of love for God and not obligation, starts my tears.
It's so nice to hear something positive about the accetance of diversity of God's people among different denominations, races, genders. It's a shame when you hear or read about all the divisiveness going on - churches splitting, pastors getting in trouble, denominations fighting over issues.
Thanks for a breath of life. I'm with you. Happy for the wide, wide circle.
I love being a part of your circle--it stretches far into the virtual world, as so many of us have discovered.
This made me want to laugh and cry all at once:
"I tried not to make eye contact with anyone, sure that the sight of God in one more face would turn me into a less mascara-ed, smaller haired version of Tammy Faye."
Yes. I have been there.
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