Candee Calling… Nov. 10th

Dear Friends,

As I parked my car in a Grand Avenue lot, my eyes were drawn to a rather large sign on St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Summit Ave.) that reads, “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” That quote is attributed to the late Gracie Allen (1902-1964), an actress who was married to George Burns (1896-1996). Now, ever since I read that quote, I’ve not been able to let it go.

When have you uttered the words, “It’s over!”? I remember my brother, Jim, saying those words to my sister and me as we were about to enter my mother’s hospice room. My sister and I sat vigil with her for a week prior to his arrival, all the while encouraging her to let go and go “home”. Yet, she persisted and clung to her fragile life until she could hear the voice of her beloved son one last time. Only then, did she let go of her earthly life in order to enter eternal life with God in heaven. There was never a period, only a pause – a comma, on the continuum of her life.

In last week’s gospel (John 11-32-44), Mary, overcome by the death of her brother, Lazarus, cried out to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” In other words, it’s over! Well, it was over until the stone was rolled away and Lazarus, upon hearing the command from Jesus, walked out of that tomb! Of course, Lazarus, a human being would eventually die again but even then, death would ultimately not have the final word. According to scripture, Jesus raised Lazarus to glorify God and prove that he and God were one, that Jesus was and is the Son of God. Jesus wanted the people to have faith in what he had the power to do so they could live as people with hope – not only when it came to death and eternal life but in their daily struggles and challenges as well. Why else would Jesus have been performing miracles (signs) all along his way to the cross?

And so it is with us – every single moment of every day, God desires that we trust him completely. Never is a worry too small or a problem too great to give to God. With our limited vision and minds, we may only see the end, a period. Yet God, in his infinite wisdom, grace, mercy, forgiveness and love for us only sees possibilities. Where have you placed a period instead of a comma, limiting what God can do in your personal life? In the life of Redeemer? When we get out of the way and allow God to do whatever, however God wants to show up in our lives, miracles can and do happen.

Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit who encourages and inspires us when all hope seems lost. Help us to get out of the way so that your will may be done, now and always.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Candee