Here are the best things about the day:
- Perseverance - Commissioners & YAADs are awesome. Virtually everyone worked diligently and stayed through the end. I'm healthy and get around pretty well, but last night I was especially appreciative of those for whom getting here and home is uncomfortable or challenging -- and yet they stayed to the end!
- Grace - We considered several very controversial overtures, but EVERYONE was allowed their say about it -- and EVERYONE was respectful of each other! When the vote was recorded, there was no cheering, no gloating, and no griping or complaining. In fact several of those on the losing side of the issue expressed their appreciation that they were listened to respectfully and had the opportunity to be in the process. Likewise, winners were gracious and expressed appreciation for the input of the opposing views, recognizing ways it informed their decision.
- Justice - Presbyterians again made me proud by coming down on the side of justice and being willing to be a prophetic voice in our chaotic world
- Faith - Recognizing that God will ALWAYS have the final say, that we need to trust God and be bold in our faithfulness.
- Unity - The many ecumenical representatives here give me hope for unity!
- Reconciliation - Belhar and the fact that we voted to offer apologies to native americans and the ways the church discriminated against them, ignored their right to their own religious beliefs, and tried to make them be like us as conditions of faith. We also acknowledged that the church had discriminated against LGBTQ people and has often stood in the way of their full participation in the exercise of their faith.
- Obedience - The general tone has been one of attempting to discern and OBEY the will of God in all matters.
- HOPE - In light of all of the above and the energy, imagination, and faithfulness of our YAADS, I am very hopeful for the future of Christ's church
Amen
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