Note: This blog was written yesterday, so some comments may be slighly out of date. The message remains the same.
Acts 11:27-30 (NIV) 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
As most of you are aware, my brother-in-law, Steve’s pancreatic cancer has progressed; which of course is not a good thing. He is living at Cheri’s parents’ house. For those friends of mine who live elsewhere and are not informed, I must add that Cheri’s parents, whom I refer to as “mom & dad”, at this point are both in their early 80’s. Last night, Cheri’s youngest brother Mark was in a head on collision in New Bedford. So far we know he has a broken leg and fractured hip, both requiring surgery. Oh there’s more; Dad & Steve’s daughter Keziah are both sick with the stomach flu.
I am not sure of where everyone is, but I think we have grown beyond the plaintive, “why do bad things happen to good people,” lament. Instead of why, perhaps we have graduated to “what.” What do we have to do? What are the right challenges to grapple with today? What is best for everybody? What does Steve, Mark, Mom, Dad & Keziah need from us? Once we decide what we are t to do, then we will ask God for strength to do it.
So what can you do for us? (We are blessed with so many of you who care so deeply) First of all, I would ask you to emotionally hold us close. Suppress that “why” conversation in your heart; it’s fruitless and the conclusion you reach will be unprovable and unhelpful. Set your heart to be for us right now. The Bible says, “Faith worketh by love.” Your collective energy of faith working by love could really be powerful in our lives right now.
The second thing I would ask is that you lower your personal expectations of us. If we don’t return your phone call, or if we are a little less sharp at something that serves you; be okay with that. Just about everyone in this family works as public servants in some way. That’s not a complaint because that’s the life we have chosen, but expectations of excellence can be pretty high sometimes and there’s not enough space for everyone to equally share our stress. Mom and Dad in particular have fought a good fight for others, now it’s our turn.
The third thing is (if you are able) be alert to practical request for service. This is already happening by the way and don’t think it goes unnoticed. I remember reading a story of a man who wanted to serve a family that had a funeral, so he went over and shined everyone’s shoes. Now for us, that probably wouldn’t be what would serve us, so please ask before you show up with your shoeshine kit. At BCC & the Blessing Barn Mom, Dad & Cheri do a lot every day to make sure these spaces fulfill their purpose; my guess is there will be opportunities for some of you to fill their shoes in the coming days and weeks. I am not whining. I have confidence in you. I have confidence in God.
The fourth & final thing that I ask of you mostly applies to the members of Bethany Community Church. Please show up at church services and events with energy and enthusiasm. You are not our customers, you are our spiritual family and we want to feel your presence in God’s presence. We don’t want pity; we want passion and power. The week of prayer starts the Sunday after next; plan on being there to pray.
So why start this blog with Acts 11:27-30? First of all, I mentioned the prophet Agabus and the coming famine because like our pain right now; we knew most of this was going to happen. Secondly, they were not directed to pray the famine away; they had to go through it. Thirdly, they all pitched in. Fourthly, history verifies that they got through it victoriously. That’s what we will do as well.
