Category: BLOG

They Come For the Love

They Come For the Love

Vona Wilson

Thanksgiving Eve, 2021. When the small town you landed in way back when, turns into a little city where everyone wants to live, the holidays change too. Live music outside the grocery store, people milling about everywhere and an abundance of everything….except rosemary! There is a sense that everyone is preparing with anticipation that “gathering” is fully back. It is almost as if everyone is praying that we are all “OK” as we gather. I get it. Being with friends and family in this season is a huge gift! A lot of life has happened in the past 20 months. No one and no family is exactly the same. It’s OK for us just to name it.

The grace of bridging the past with a still unfolding future is not an ordinary move. It’s different. People have been through things. Grief has entered our lives in waves we’ve not before experienced. Joys have been greater; sorrows have been deeper. We are still trying to sort out what our “normal” will be; all the while holding our hands wide open to what we have yet to see. 

We are preparing (actually, I did no preparing) to walk/run the Turkey Trot in the morning. It is a favorite way to begin the day and support our local food bank. I love beginning Thanksgiving Day with the community and for a great cause. It makes the feast even better.

I pulled my grandmother’s stitched wisdom from where it hangs and placed it on the kitchen counter today. I don’t want to miss it as I prepare to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Her signature is on the back: dated 1968, along with her address label from Gracey, KY.  Grandma Lester’s wisdom is something we all may need as we gather on Thanksgiving Day 2021. In some strange way, I wonder if she stitched it so we would be faced with seeing it many years later. Perhaps even before hosting friends and family at our tables. 

Whatever you have prepared for Thanksgiving Day – it is enough. Whoever gathers at your table will be blessed by your love, whether it is with one or with fifty. The house doesn’t have to be spotless. The food will be good, however little or much. The setting doesn’t have to be any more than is naturally there.  What does matter, is how much love is present. This is why people come to the feast. 

God, please bless our tables with your grace. Let our love for the people gathered be the most important gift we bring. Fill the empty chairs with your presence so any grief is met with your love and comfort. Season our conversations with the wisdom of your spirit. Help us to hear one another with compassion and curiosity. Remind us, Lord, of all the ways you have been so faithful and present with us! However you stir us in this season of gratitude, we thank you. We trust you, Lord, and we love you. Amen.

The Morning Peace

The Morning Peace

Vona Wilson

I don’t know what it is that
rushes me
But sometimes yes, it rushes me,
and hurls me into a day where
I begin already behind
not quite ready
and concerned….
sometimes about something
I can’t even name.

And then –
I catch you in the periphery
a glance across the room.
Where light is changing, even rising
and I have to pause and see.

It was a fleeting moment
impossible to hold
A glance to remind me I am loved
and you are still creating days
of grace for us to discover together.
You are here.

God, help us pause long enough to
catch your glance from across
whatever distance you come today. Amen.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob in our fortress.

Psalm 46:10-11
September

September

Vona Wilson

Being on the land always brings pleasure to my soul. I’ve been running to the wilderness all of my life. Finding spaces to observe the wonders of creation and allow my soul to rest. This was my daily pastime as a young child. We had a wilderness at the end of our one-street neighborhood. It was wonderful! A large creek that always had a strong current (or so we thought, at such a young age). Plenty of wildlife, including many snakes which we delighted in catching. We had snake hunting excursions. We built forts and dams, swung from vines and discovered new things every summer. We learned to frog gig on that creek. We hunted squirrels and rabbits as we walked the fields…always to ultimately arrive at “the creek” – our wilderness, the haven. This small, single lane neighborhood was the adventure land of my daily childhood.

Today I run to the river. The reparian buffer (a term I’ve only recently learned) is that space between the river and where we trod that is to be left alone – untouched – allowed to grow and thrive; to die off or push through; to dance as it desires. And dancing is exactly what it is doing in September. The flowers are shouting. The milk pods are birthing. Life is full. It provides shelter and space for the wildlife. It protects the water from our more damaging actions. It is life giving. And as I walk it today, it is a holy space.

Riparian buffer at Waters Edge. September 2021

I don’t own land anymore. So it is the true grace of God that a path by the river has been provided just outside my door. All I need to do is make time to to walk there and see the gifts God has ready to offer anyone who comes. I hear the poet in my ear:
I sha’n’t be gone long.- you come too. -Robert Frost

Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves

Monday Blessing

Monday Blessing

Vona Wilson

But now thus says the Lord,
    he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.  Isaiah 43: 1-2

Sometimes creation speaks when we cannot. The sunrise lures me and begs for my attention.  Stop right here and marvel again how much beauty and strength can rise in the face of any situation. No war can stop it. No hurricane can destroy it. No brokenness can shame the sun from rising or hold back the clouds from making a grand display. The creative spirit of God rises and blesses the day’s beginning. 

It will not only be this morning. All day long and well into the evening there will be signs that God is with us. There will be glimpses or whispers, tiny little things that are placed along the path to remind us that we are seen; we are loved. The One who created us is walking with us. The wisdom of the Lord is guiding our steps. Go slow enough to receive.  Keep walking courageously forward, even if that is a tip toe step today. Every tiny movement in the sky was beckoned to create the sunrise. God invites us into this day too. 

Lord, however your people need to see you today – thank you for revealing yourself to each one.  Whatever we need to hear from you as a people on earth – thank you for speaking to us; we are listening.   Whenever we turn to other voices and sources for wisdom, Holy God, please lure us back to what you have made known to us in the life of Christ. In you we remember who and whose we are. Help us to carry that strength and joy into this day. There is no place you will not meet us and lead us safely home. We love you, Lord. We need you and we trust you completely. Amen. 

I, I am the Lord,
    and there is no savior besides me.
I announced, I saved, I proclaimed,
not some stranger among you.
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
    and I am God.
From the dawn of time, I am the one.
    No one can escape my power.
    I act, and who can undo it? – Isaiah 43:11-13

Word of God Speak – Mercy Me

Wee Hours Prayer

Wee Hours Prayer

Vona Wilson

Nudges of your Spirit come in the wee hours.
Perhaps, Lord, someone you love is reaching 
for your hand of grace.
We are seen. Even in the wee hours.  
Reaching into the dark spaces of grief 
and uncertainty 
of pain. 
Come now, Holy Spirit, come.  
Come now with your mercy 
into the wee hours of our lives. 

Where suffering has interrupted the days of a focused life; Lord have mercy.
When grief grips our souls and tugs against the pursuit of healing; Lord have mercy.
For the past that returns unwanted, for the futures we dare to dream; Lord have mercy.
Bring your arms of grace around our trembling bodies. 
Offer your blanket of peace to cover the places 
of our lives left out in the cold unattended.

Lead us to our simple prayers:
Help! Mercy! Come quickly Lord Jesus to help us!
Remind us again that your love persists
In the wee hours
In the waking hours
In all hours.

For you, Holy God, created us and placed us in time on earth
Where your grace is never offered too early, 
and never arrives too late.
We find our peace in the arms
of the resurrected Christ 
holding us all again. 
One miracle moment at a time.
Bring rest. Restore our breathing. Bring peace. 
Let your love lead us back to sleep. 
Amen. 

Fires

Moments of Faithful Risk

Moments of Faithful Risk

Vona Wilson

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. “ – Matthew 26:6-7

Bethany is the town where Lazarus and his sisters lived, but in this situation, the meal is at Simon’s house. It is the most unexpected house to host a meal. Simon was known as a “leper” until he was healed by Christ. Now he is hosting a meal for Jesus.

The woman that comes with the expensive perfume is named as “Mary” when John writes his account of this story (John 12:3). She must have been saving this perfume for just the right situation and time. It is valuable. Somehow she knew (by God’s grace and a nudge of the Spirit?) that this is the time, this is the moment, for her to give it. She chooses to give it all to Jesus. She doesn’t know why, she just knows she is supposed to offer it.

The disciples – the followers of Jesus – are appalled. It is too extravagant; a waste. Jesus is pleased; she obeyed the nudge of the Spirit and did something that involved her in his story of redemption. God’s plans are fulfilled. This woman’s offer of love and devotion prepares Jesus to offer his greatest gift of love: to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)

We know Christ’s sacrifice is near; and we know resurrection is coming. His preparation and her involvement in his journey of obedience…these are moments of faithful risk. In the kingdom of God we take risks to love across societal norms, boundaries that limit access to Christ, and even fears whether they are real or imagined.

We return to the neighborhood today and knock on doors to invite the children to come out for “Bible Club”. Some will say yes. Some will wait for another day. We will teach the Bible stories, play games and sing. Love, friendship and joy will be shared, if even for a few short hours of the day.

I do wonder… Is it possible that we, who are so deeply distracted with our busy lives, are bringing “perfume” to the neighborhood? Or is it much more likely that Jesus finds us in Simon, the Leper, and asks us to come into the neighborhood and be healed so we can serve others with him?

Jesus is grateful for the woman’s lavish love. He says this moment is so important that every time this story is told, her act of faith and love will be shared. He wanted us to know this. She took the risk of walking into a setting where women were not typically welcomed. She gave her greatest gift and it prepared him for his. How are you giving your best for Christ?

Prayer
God help us to walk humbly as we go through your neighborhoods today. Heal in us whatever keeps us from loving and serving you freely. We have no good apart from you so please come near. We love you. We trust you completely. Thank you for trusting and loving us enough to bring us here with you.

Bible Club lot #streetreach
Bible Club lot #streetreach

Serving with our youth group in Memphis. The joy of witnessing what God is doing in our teenagers is a gift. Being with children in the neighborhood is just finding where Jesus is already and joining the miracle. Grateful.

Downtime
Night Before Pentecost

Night Before Pentecost

Vona Wilson

The night before Pentecost holds its own special anticipation. We will do strange things tomorrow, like wearing red and watching for any new glimpse that the Spirit is active. I was hanging banners in our Historic Sanctuary late this afternoon and as I was finishing up a wind came through and one of the banners shifted. I’m sure it was the cord that slipped, not quite secure. But it didn’t appear or feel like that.

It felt like a wind blew through the sanctuary; a wind that no one created. There was a sound. The banner shifted. The movement of its shift caused it to keep moving back and forth, until it finally held still. I may have been holding my breath as these moments unfolded. I may have left a little faster with a nervous smile and a curiosity in my spirit. This “wind” reminds me on the night before Pentecost, that this is God’s story. And God never stops revealing new things to us.

I went home. I watched the sunset and prepared supper. I tried to be “normal”, but there is nothing “normal” about this life. On the night before Pentecost we remember that anything can happen when God is fulfilling promises. It can happen in our lives. It can happen in our communities. It can happen in our world. That’s just how the Spirit of God shows up, and we are called to be ready to follow. I’ll never be ready enough – but “Come Holy Spirit come” anyway.

Sunset on the night before Pentecost, 2021

Holy God, help us to never stop anticipating the surprising presence of your Holy Spirit being poured out on your people. Even when we are doing ordinary things we have no idea that you are doing something extraordinary. We welcome you to blow through our gathering places on this Pentecost Sunday. Open our eyes and our spirits to see. We trust you completely and we love you. Amen.

Come Quickly to Help Us

Come Quickly to Help Us

Vona Wilson

Our nation, and perhaps others in the world, watch and wait today for the verdict coming out of Minneapolis. It is a heavy day.  Trials and verdicts are our meager means of order and justice.  They serve us well and they serve us imperfectly, but they are the best we have established so far to help us as a nation.  The hope is that over time and history our practice of justice, law and order is likely to improve as long as we keep learning and working on it. I pray that will never end for our nation.   I am grateful to live in a country where a democracy and order for justice is in place. It is far from perfect; it is, however, what we created and in many places of the world, this does not exist. 

On these days, however, – when it feels like the whole nation is holding tension – every part of me turns to prayer. Words fail me, though this morning I am writing.  Something in me requires me to write today.  My spirit hears a voice above the news and tension. It is, by my discernment, the voice of God.  I believe healthy discernment comes in the community of believers, so I say that with the caveat that I can only share what I see; my sight and hearing is always incomplete.  As I came to my Scripture reading today, I let it roll over my mind and help instruct me. The reading is from Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica:

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. – I Thessalonians 5:14-22

Give thanks in all circumstances? Even the circumstances we face today? A trial that has the whole nation holding their breath? A pandemic that has changed so much of our ordinary lives and continues to edge us out of our comfort zones and into territory we’ve never before traveled? Grief that runs through communities and families while new life is begging to be acknowledged and allowed to flourish?  Give thanks for those circumstances? 

The message is actually not about circumstances. It is a message about how our lives are ordered and grounded in a way that Christ leads us to show up in all circumstances. With joy, with prayer and with gratitude.  

Our joy does not come from circumstances. It comes, rather, from the experience of love we share with Christ and one another.  That joy cannot be removed from our spirits. It is the presence of love and communion with the God who made us all the time, no matter what is going on in our circumstances.  That supernatural joy is especially helpful when it is embodied by the people around us. But even in the absence of those people, the Lord is faithful to be present.  There is a verse in one of Paul’s letters that expresses this so beautifully:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,  neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  – (Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. He was talking about persecution the Christians were facing at the time. Romans 8:38-39)

Prayer that taps into the power of our Creator to intervene, to shine light, to bring forth wisdom that we do not have – and to bring it into all circumstances, is a way to navigate these tensions and ask for help. We need God’s help in these situations. We have not done well left on our own. And yet, we see hope and something new rising out of the chaos.  Humility helps us ask for divine help.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – (Jesus’ words to his disciples as recorded in the Gospel of John 15:5-8)

We have gratitude for the unending mercy and steadfast love of our Creator that redeems these impossible situations with justice in ways that may use a court of law but are never limited to a court of law.  Remember that Christ was condemned to die by crucifixion and he was raised from death! We bring gratitude for the way Jesus met the Centurion of the Roman army and the leper who had been isolated from all relationships.  Gratitude for a God that reaches out for the hand of every human being and says, “here, let me pull you out of this pit; there is another way”. 

I’ve been pulled out of that pit many times. Including the pit of my own mindset and the pit of my own choices.  I’ve watched families rescued from their sinking into that pit of destruction. I’ve witnessed organizations and communities restored by the power of God’s grace and mercy embodied in the people. We worship a God that brings justice; a God that redeems; a God that restores life and peace.  Trusting in God’s presence brings gratitude for the kingdom of God that IS being fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven.  The Lord has made that clear; our part is following where God leads us into that unfolding and unveiling. 

Be courageous. Be humble. Be disturbed and be at attention. The way we respond in all circumstances is a reflection of Christ’s presence in our lives.  Remember who and whose you are today. In all things, honor God; there is no better way to walk through these days. If we claim to be children of God, we don’t get a pass for acting without grounding and thought today.  This is how the Scripture says it; may God indeed intervene for us all.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. – Thessalonians 5:23-24

God of heaven, come quickly to help us. You are the God of all people. 
You know our circumstances far better than we do. 
You know what it feels like to be condemned and what it feels like to offer forgiveness. 
You know the power of calming the waves in the ocean and the humility of loving enemies.  
You set the captives free, 
including all of us 
when we are captive to sin and destruction.  
We struggle when our understanding of justice is different than yours. 
We struggle when our perspective of mercy is discounted, dismissed or ignored.  
We depend on earthly bound entities to redeem our world, 
but we know …we know …
you are the only one who can redeem us 
and bring the fullness of justice and mercy 
into our lives and our nation. 
We acknowledge you and our own limited capacities. 
You invite us to call upon you in our time of need; 
you promise to be with us.  So we come and ask. 
You made us, Lord, you know what is in us.  
Please help us today and in the days to come. 
Help us to respond in all circumstances with ways that reflect you 
and lead us to new life.  
We come with joy, prayer and gratitude for your presence among us.
We need you and we trust you completely.  
Come quickly, Lord, to help us. 
Amen. 
Snowy Morning on the River: A Prayer

Snowy Morning on the River: A Prayer

Vona Wilson

No waiting for you
You were here long before me
I see you created space for me to come
Rest by your water and listen for your voice
Always welcoming me.
Thank you for softening my steps in the snow
For slowing me down long enough to ponder the
Grace you are offering;
It is as if you love me.
Perhaps you knew I would arrive this morning
Cold and desperate to breathe in your air
To hold the sights and sounds of you near my heart
Snow covering the trees, my faithful companions.

This is the prayer I offer – this very spot of life
God’s creative love poured out in the fog
Lingering above the river
Tree limbs bend in dance to touch the rising steam
Birds laughing for the joy of Presence.
More than my words will ever say
Deeper than my soul can see
Stronger than my heart can beat.
Be at Peace
Be loved.
Know that God is near.
Holy One, who knows us better than we know ourselves:
…thank you for this gift.
Amen.

Bidding 2020 a Peaceful Farewell

Vona Wilson

So how do you say “adieu!” to a year like nothing we have ever experienced?  I’ve thought about it all day as I’ve walked through each hour.   Gracious! Who would have ever imagined such a year?

I do think transitions are important and even holy. Even transitions that are messy, complicated and full of infection – can still be holy when God is with us.  Actually, these may be some of our more important and holy transitions.  God’s people have always had messiness surrounding holy events. Can’t imagine that? Remember where and how Jesus was born? Pretty messy situation– and the angels sang!

I wonder where angels were singing in 2020?

It has definitely been a year packed full of challenge, stress and a lot of disappointments, but there have also been moments that I will forever hold in my heart. Moments that seemed like gifts from God. Moments that are precious; better than gold. Moments that still take my breath away when I recall them. Words never justify when we experience “awe”. Perhaps that is when the angels were singing!

God, thank you for moments of awe this year that reminded us that we are more than simply human. We are yours. And you will often involve us in what you are doing on earth, even taking us by surprise and giving us roles we never anticipated. 
We name these holy moments before you now and we are grateful.

There has been peace where it was least expected. Peace about hard decisions made. Peace in accepting things outside of our control. Peace in the middle of storms that were destroying what we hold dear.  It is the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding”. It doesn’t make sense when we look at what’s happening around us, but God gives it anyway to make sure we know that even in the darkest, most difficult situations, the resurrected Christ has pulled up a chair beside us and will not leave

One event when that peace showed up happened when my sister and I were with our mom at her apartment this summer.  Mom was fragile; recovering from a fall and she was eating her first good meal in several days. The three of us were there.  A few minutes into the meal Mom said, “I don’t feel well”.  We started to prop her feet up and she slumped over; total loss of consciousness. We got her safely from the chair to the floor; my sister called 911. Oreo (my dog) came to her side and pushed himself up against her; not budging. EMS launched and the 911 dispatcher held presence with my sister.  I opened Mom’s airway – no breathing. Positioning her for CPR, our seconds felt like long minutes. She finally took a breath.  And after what felt like way too long, she took another breath. Not awake; not alert, but some breathing. Praise God! 

When EMS arrived, Oreo jumped up to greet them.  First with a warning bark and then quickly with a jumping welcome to the Paramedic. She recognized him:  “is this the dog from the church?”  Mom is breathing and conscious by now, though still very foggy. It turns out that the responding EMS crew is the same crew that had recently stationed in our church for a month.  Oreo works at the church too, so he knew them.  Peace. They placed the EKG leads on mom’s chest and ran a 12-lead.  Oreo positioned himself between mom and the EKG monitor as we prepared for transport. Peace. She’s alive. She’s breathing. God sent someone who knows us. Peace.

God thank you for all the peace you have given in so many difficult situations of 2020.  Thank you for bringing peace into decision making when we had to go against the norm and follow what we can only name as divine wisdom and discernment. Thank you for the peace you brought to every hospital bedside as doctors and nurses were making decisions.
We recognize this peace as your gracious gift in very difficult times. We name those experiences of peace now.

There have been friends, colleagues and family who have navigated through this year with us. We may have been alone physically, but we have mostly not had to travel this road without others.  The blessing of “presence”, however it comes, is immeasurable. There are not always words. There are not always actions that can take away the sting of life’s disappointments and heartaches. But the presence of another who is simply willing to “be with” is a divine provision.

My extended family (Aunts, Uncles and cousins) is very large and we discovered the Marco Polo app in 2020. This place of technology has become a family reunion that comes in daily excerpts as someone in our group of 44 people, shares a story or a greeting from their life.  For the past few months we have shared family stories across 4 generations. A priceless gift of presence that has changed everything.  We’ve visited each other’s homes (through the app). We’ve had a full tour of Uncle Bill’s antique tractor collection and seen the blueberry bushes of our cousin in Oregon. We’ve heard stories of my mom’s generation and we have said prayers of peace and goodbye as mom’s sister, my Aunt Sarah, reached the end of her life on earth. We have lived “life” together across the distances, offering the gift of presence in the way it was possible.

God thank you for the many ways you have provided the presence of friends, family and colleagues when we need it most. We could have had no one, but you created way after way for us to be reminded someone cares. 
We name those people who have given us the gift of their presence in whatever way they could this year.

For the year 2020 – I bid a peaceful farewell! May we take every blessing and let go of every curse. Let our anger remind us of our passion for life and what we hold so dear. Where loneliness lingers, may we remember to reach out for the hand of another. The gift of life and presence is ever more beautiful. May our tears turn to joy in the coming days as we shed the weight of burdens carried. Lord, ready us to take up the wings you have given us for flight!

Thank you, God, for the richness of life. Humble us enough to fly! Amen.