March 25, 2015

 

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

      

Hoping this note finds you well. My sincerest apologies for sending this note today. Life happened, the way life often can - in the most unexpected way that just leaves you spinning. On Friday evening, one of my sisters called. I didn't get to my cell in time so she immediately sent a text. "Jackie, call back now. Kevin is dead." Huh? What? Who? Kevin? Wait a minute, what? I didn't call right back. I needed a minute to just collect myself for what I knew would be coming next. After reading and rereading, breathing and reading again, I whispered a prayer and called. It was true. Kevin had passed away from a heart attack and my sister - his wife - had just found out. Kevin was also the Assistant Church Clerk at our church, and has been a part of my life all of my life. He was just there. No fanfare. Just always there. Ready to serve and help in any way he could.

 

Have you ever had one of those experiences or events in life that left you feeling like a spinning top? You can't prepare for it. You can't control it. You certainly can't fix it and now nothing will ever be the same. I'll be the first to admit. That's where I was and life wasn't stopping and neither did I. I didn't stop. I had to lecture Saturday and preach Sunday. I wasn't Still and I wasn't even present enough to Know. But God in God's tremendous grace and mercy, has a wonderful way of leading us right back to where we need to be. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit's reminder that no email had gone out Monday. Writing this has caused me to stop, be Still and Know. I know what the disciples must have been feeling at the thought of Jesus no longer being physically present. I understand better the questions they asked and the anxiety they felt. 

 

I believe sometimes on the journey to the cross we forget that it was and is a death walk. At the end of the journey, there is no ribbon to break thru or adulation, cheers and medals. It's a cross: pain, suffering and death! Often on our own journey, we experience pain, suffering and death. And yet that same cross, is also a symbol of power, transformation and victory. How is that possible? It does not make sense to the rational logical mind. Even Paul confesses that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those that are perishing but to us who are being saved it is power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18). The cross becomes powerful, transformative and victorious when we understand the truths it reveals and appropriate them for our lives. 

 

One of the truths revealed by the cross is that God is just as present with us in our pain and suffering as when we are experiencing joy and victory. God is with us. Not just bringing us out of it but giving is strength in it. Truly God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. This truth comforts us but also challenges us to find ways to be present with and for those who are in pain and suffering. A view of the cross that only points to heaven leaves an irrelevant and impotent church on earth. After preaching Sunday, my nieces and I drove up to my sister's home. She was comforted in knowing we were just there. No agenda, no plans - just present. 

 

Let's practice the ministry of presence this week. Call someone you haven't seen or spoken to in a while. Send a card. Embrace a one-time service opportunity. Our Pastor Emeritus has made famous leaving a prayer on voicemails. Be intentional about being there for someone in the same way God is intentionally and deliberately present for us while reflecting on the following verses: Philippians 2:1-11; Romans 8:28-38; John 14:1-6; John 15:1-14. The last "I AM" saying of Jesus will be RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Hope to see you there. Please say a prayer for my family this week as we prepare to celebrate the life of a kind and generous man who loved God and God's people. He is not here but I know exactly where he is, therefore I have hope. 

 

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross. 

The emblem of suffering and shame; 

And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best

For a world of lost sinners was slain. 

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down; 

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

 

Thank you for being present with me on this journey! We're almost there!

 

Be still and know, 

 

  

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

Assistant Pastor