Virtual Chapel – Page 9 – Life in the Deep End

Come Quickly to Help Us

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021Vona 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.

The Night Prayer: April 2021

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021Vona Wilson

Holy God,
We empty our souls like we empty our pockets,
pouring all we regret from this day into your hands;
that holy space where anything and everything can be shared
Lord, hear our prayers.

We release from our minds
every insecurity, doubt, and shame
that attempts to rob us of your presence.
They have no place to stay tonight.
Lord, have mercy.

We receive your forgiveness
And extend forgiveness to others,
trusting fully that your
wisdom will enter into our experiences and
sort out what we confuse.
Lord, have mercy.

Where grief has come so close we cannot ignore it; we ask for comfort.
Where sorrow has lodged too deeply; Lord, roll away the stone.
Where love is knocking out the walls of our hearts; set us free to fly with you.
And in any moment
where we have missed your grace today,
Lord come quickly
reveal your presence to us once again.

May the night bring your peace that surpasses all understanding.
And may all we love be held safely and securely in your
heart of grace. There is no greater gift; there is no better place.

In the name of the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps,
The resurrected Christ, Amen.

Holding Tension: A Prayer

April 1, 2021Vona Wilson

Lord help us hold the tension today where hope and despair run parallel. Help us grieve with those who approach gravesides and celebrate with all who receive news of relief and joy. Give us courage to be in the waiting; the tension of uncertainty and the anticipation that you might do something – say something – or reveal something we didn’t expect, today.

We live in a world of violence. Violence that condemns others, and a violence against our own selves. It doesn’t come from weapons we make; this comes from what it is deep within our hearts. Many of our hearts are broken.

Help us hold the tension of Maundy Thursday, where hope and despair run parallel. Allow us courage enough to come to the table, and humility enough to stay with you and with each other. Thank you for inviting us to stumble in with dirty, tired feet; hopes and dreams; unanswered questions; denial; masks and even love. There will be tension, so help us hold steady and not run away from you, today.

Amen.

Carpet in Guatemala. Semana Santa, 2017.

If you are looking for ways to experience a Maundy Thursday service tonight, here is a link: https://live.franklinfumc.org

By the Desert Road

March 31, 2021Vona Wilson

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
– Exodus 13:17

Sometimes the way we go doesn’t make sense at all, but it is God’s provision. And perhaps a grace in helping us become who God created us to be.

I still remember quite well what it felt like to be a young adult in my early twenties trying to figure out the road and way ahead. There were seasons when I could not see well, if at all. There were curves I didn’t expect or know how to navigate. On more than one occasion I found myself in the ditch! And there were glimpses of signposts every now and then that were enough to keep me moving ahead, one step at a time. It was not very pretty. Definitely not smooth. I have the healed over scars to make sure I never forget from where I’ve come. They have become beauty marks.

God has a way of taking us by the road that not only saves us from disasters we cannot see; the journey shapes us for a future that only God can vision.

The Israelites were on the wilderness road a very long time. They started out prepared for war, but the real battle seemed to be the one of surrender, trust and learning to be a community that follows God together. They received miracles, like manna and quail for food. They walked in circles and got sick and tired of the journey. They cried out for water and God provided. They failed and God restored them. When they followed God revealed more to them. They became a holy nation. Not perfect, but an identified people of God with a story of redemption. We are still telling the story!

What about you? Take a moment to look back to where you started. Maybe you will also see how the road by which you’ve come, somehow helped shape you and grow you into the person God created you to be. What safeguards kept you out of danger? What challenges reminded you of God’s faithfulness? What impossible things became possible, even though you didn’t see it unfolding?

I do wonder… as a community of faith, if we too can look back and see how God has shaped us as the body of Christ? How has that journey prepared us to be a reflection of God in the world right now? Is it possible that in this very moment, we also are being led by a road that helps assure we keep moving forward into the kingdom of God?

Whether you are looking back on the road you’ve traveled or wondering about the time to come, rest assured: there is so much more ahead! The same God who walked with you all this time will guide and prepare you for what is to come. You are not journeying alone.

The disciples walked through this week, what we call “Holy Week”, with Jesus…at least up to a certain point. It didn’t make sense. How could a journey to a shameful death ever make sense…

Prayer
God, thank you for never leaving us on the journey alone. Thank you for guiding us by the road that will prepare us for your future. We trust you completely because you are faithful in all generations! Amen.

Farther Along. Leslie Jordon, Chris and Morgane Stapleton

The Midday Prayer

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021Vona Wilson

God of heaven, God of earth
God of all we know and all we cannot fathom:
Draw us in at midday
Give us pause in whatever we are doing
To say “thank you!”
To say, “help!”
To say, “glory!” for all you reveal and do with
our broken, messy, beautiful, courageous lives.
Where pain is so great words will not come
bring peace to the silence.
Where joy is so strong that we move ahead too fast
bring wisdom to trust your timing.
Where grief is overflowing
offer comfort in just the way it is needed.
Wherever you find us, in the middle of this day
Lord God of heaven,
remind the whole world of your presence.
Set our feet on solid ground and shine your
Light on the path before us.
We ask because you are so faithful to give
and we have no good apart from you.
Thank you, Lord, for holding your world
with grace and love. Amen.

Snowy Morning on the River: A Prayer

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021Vona 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.

You Are Loved

February 14, 2021February 18, 2021Vona Wilson

I can hear the ice falling and it is comforting from my warm, safe place as the night nears end. Countless other situations could make the sound land differently on these ears. But tonight…a worn copy of Wendell Berry poetry, a refreshment of note and preparations for snow make it all just fine.

A fleeting memory returns of an ice storm in the early 90’s. It came quickly and harshly, sending many of us into emergency activation. I was living far out in the country and serving as the Director of EMS at the time; I had to go in. It wasn’t optional. The ice came faster than anyone imagined and by the time we activated our Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the trees had already started falling.

Feeling successful upon making it out of the long drive down our hill, I pulled onto the country road certain that my years of driving on snowy Kentucky roads would carry me confidently to the EOC where I could fulfill my duties. Until I came upon a big tree across the road. Bigger than me, bigger than my truck could cross and perhaps just “bigger” because it was dark and late and scary. And very cold! I got out and looked around. I knew the other way would be no different. I was the only human out in the middle of an ice storm, and I couldn’t imagine how I was going to do this.

And then I heard a sound, a motor. A single headlight was shining in the distance; the sound of an engine coming from the darkness, getting louder and closer. And there it was. A man on a 4-wheeler, with a chain saw. I couldn’t believe it! He was bundled up in camouflage. I had no idea who he was or how he knew to come. I am certain he could not have had any idea how desperate I was to get to my duty station. I explained that I was on my way to run the EMS response from our Emergency Operations Center and that I had to get through. He didn’t say much – maybe not even a word. He just started the chainsaw and started cutting.

I don’t know how long it took; I only know that within a very short time, he cleared a path and I drove through without incident until I arrived at the EOC. We were all there for several days. A blur of sorts, like most disasters tend to be.

It was many weeks later when a few neighbors got together to “get to know one another” that I discovered who the camo covered angel was that cut me a path during the ice storm . It was a neighbor, of course. He was 3^rd or 4^th generation of a family that lived in this special part of our community for many years. I’m sure he thought nothing of helping someone that night. That’s what neighbors in the country tend to do. For me, the stranger in camouflage was sent by God to give me aid. I had the chance to say, “thank you” and we all sat around sharing our stories from the legendary ice storm, complete with power outages and lots of people helping one another.

The pandemic has changed the way I reflect on every “disaster” I ever worked as a Paramedic. For eleven months we have been navigating our way through this event. We have become nimble and innovative. Isolation has wearied those who are vulnerable or sick. Too much togetherness in some cases has challenged the best of relationships. And way too much time has passed since we’ve seen people we love.

Of all the things we’ve learned in these last many months, our shared need to “love and be loved” sure seems consistently important. Before this Valentine’s Day reaches end, or the ice and snow lead all of us into yet one more shared adventure…be assured: you are loved.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…
– I John 4:18

God, please help us to not be so afraid to love each other. Give us courageous spirits and humble hearts. We ask your blessings and provision for the many people who risk their lives to protect, help and care for everyone during this storm. Send them aid in whatever way is needed. Thank you for always showing up when we need you! Amen.

Do not be afraid; you are loved.

Surprised by Franklin FirstKids ministry of our church! A great campaign of love they are spreading throughout the community.

I Am Loved / Mack Brock
https://bit.ly/2NaoXeF

Monday Blessing

February 8, 2021Vona Wilson

May the blessing of the LORD fall upon you
May the grace of God open the way of your steps
As barriers fall, give thanks and grow courage;
When the unexpected arrives, trust that
The LORD remains near.
Look upon the people you love with peace
Give attention to that which your spirit desires;
…even the impossible.
Offer blessing wherever you go
Pray for what appears as an enemy
Watch.
Like the bird and the river,
Fly unencumbered and flow.
May the blessing of the LORD fall upon you.
Amen

The Wednesday Prayer

January 27, 2021Vona Wilson

In moments or seasons of difficulty it can be hard to find words in prayer. Anger or tears are sometimes our deepest expressions of what is in our hearts. God is the one who created us with both of these – the anger of emotion that lets us know something we care deeply about is at risk. The tears that are literally our bodies expressing deep joy and deep sorrow.

Many of us are praying for people we love who are grieving recent loss, struggling with illness, being courageous in healing, and some humbly preparing for death. Words tend to fade. Silence comes. Tears, anger, hope and love sit in every situation we hold in our hearts. Someone else sits there too. The resurrected Christ. Yes…the resurrected Christ. By the bedsides, in the surgery rooms, at the caskets, in your living rooms and parking lots; at the desk of your virtual classroom; walking down the street. Christ is there.

If you need words to pray for the people you love, I offer this familiar Psalm as a way to give words to your heart. Fill in the blanks with the names of your people. Write in the situations, even “enemies” that war in this moment. Name before the one who created us, all of your heart. God meets you right here.

The LORD is ______’s shepherd, _____ will not want.
   The LORD makes _______ lie down in green pastures,
He leads ______ beside still waters,
He restores _______’s soul.
The LORD guides _______ in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake. God is present with her/him;
the LORD is shining light on ______’s path for this day.
Even though ______ walks through the valley
   of the shadow of death,
_______ will fear no evil, for the LORD is with her/him.
The rod and staff of the resurrected Christ,
   comfort and guide __________.

The LORD prepares a table today for ________
in the presence of enemies (like cancer, death, betrayal, grief, addictions, illness; despair)
The LORD anoints ______’s head with oil, providing a special blessing upon her/him.
   The cup of _______ overflows with God’s love and presence.
   Care and hospitality and grace are abundant.
Mercy stands guard at _______’s door.
Surely goodness and love will follow _______
   all the days of her/his life,
And ________ will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Amen.
Psalm 23

We are not alone. We are with one another in spirit and in prayer. The resurrected Christ is also there.

The Prayer with Andrea Bocellli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nexnnrYyTmc

Yes, but…

January 25, 2021Vona Wilson

Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. – Genesis 17:19

Click here to read the whole story: http://bit.ly/36anuey

Abraham has just received a word from God that is more than he can comprehend. In their old ages of 90 and 100, Abraham and Sarah are going to have a son. There is going to be a birth! All Abraham can say, is something like: “what about Ishmael…can’t he be blessed?” Ishmael is the son born out of impatience; trying to take care of what Abraham and Sarah had expected God to do. When Sarah did not conceive a child within the timing she and Abraham expected it should happen, they sought other means.

It is not necessary for us to manufacture or create ahead of God. The LORD’s timing and way is not like ours. It is not limited to what makes sense. God does not work under the parameters of age or status or education or even economics, as we understand these things on earth. God has greater purposes than we can see and invites us into that holy unfolding.

What I love about this moment in Abraham’s life is that he wants the best for his family, and he asks for it, as perhaps any faithful father and husband would do. The LORD does not ignore his desire or plea. God meets him exactly there (yes, Ishmael will also receive a blessing), and God still invites Abraham into what is being fulfilled. A promise…an everlasting covenant. It is more than Abraham can comprehend but it is exactly what God is bringing to fruition. Abraham’s lack of confidence that this could actually happen is not a hindrance for the Creator of the universe.

When Paul writes to the early church in Ephesus he offers a benediction that also speaks of this way of God. The prayer ends like this: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

It may seem that something God promises is impossible. And with human parameters, it may indeed be. But God is not limited by the things of this earth!

Lord, help us to follow you instead of trying to guide or manufacture your promises into being. Our intention is humble obedience and we are grateful for your constant presence as we walk through this life. We trust you and we love you. We yield ourselves into your hands with joy; for you are faithful and your mercies endure forever. Amen.