It has been awhile since I have written. It is interesting
how time slips by even when one is retired. There have been some issues that I have
helped with for the conference and have been facilitating a small group bible
study with our life group. Also have had a couple of weeks of being under the
weather with this transition between winter and spring. I am also going to be
preaching on Maundy Thursday for Water’s Edge and am in the process of working
on my sermon. I never noticed how when one is preparing sermons on a weekly
basis the effort to plan for maybe 2-3 sermons a year seems to take more effort.
I wanted
to share with you some insights that I came across reading an old journal that I
wrote while in seminary. I and several students did an immersive experience
with the Pueblo Indians in New Mexico. I had written about this several years
ago but was struck as I reread the notes that I took. At that time which was
about 2003, there was a main controversy between the NM board of education and
the tribe leaders about teaching children their native language as part of the
curriculum. At issue was the idea that
denying access to the tribe’s language was creating issues with cultural
identity.
The concern
dates back to the previous century when Native American children were forcibly
put into Anglo schools without concern about teaching anything about their
people and their culture. The idea was to assimilate these children into the
White predominate culture. This was supposedly for their own good. This was
done despite the fact that the reservations were supposed to be separate
nations within the USA. Later studies have shown that when one denies the
culture of a people there several negative consequences that affect the people.
The tribes in NM were trying to make changes to help reinstate a sense of pride
in the culture of the people. This was at that time heading to the State
Supreme Court and possible to the SCOTUS.
What I was
noting was that the power of language can indeed shape the culture that we
live. The question that arises is does language shape culture or does culture
shape the language? It is almost the chicken and egg argument. Regardless, I have
seen culture being changed and the language, rhetoric, and discourse supporting
that change. I see it prevalent in our society, our government, and even in our
churches. I find much of the church discourses, that seem to be the most vocal,
run counter to the messages of Jesus. There seems to be a return to language of
legalism, exclusion, and dogma of church rules. There is some counter-cultural
language to these concerns but is disorganized and demonized by the others. There
is also silence or collusion to avoid conflict in this discord. Much of this
stems from whether to accept LGBTQIA+ as fully in communion with the church. The
arguments against inclusion almost never quote the gospels but quote Leviticus,
some of Paul’s comments, and many misreading of other epistles of the Christian
scripture. Again, I see the parsing of words and language that is shaping the
gospel message of love to one of condemnation. My prayer is that the voice of
the good news will eventually prevail.
On
another note, I wanted to share a prayer that I wrote in 2007 as I was in the
process of going to a new appointment. I also wrote what I thought God might replay.
Here it is.
Dear God
I thank
you for what you have given me in my passions and in my talents. Even though I often
take them for granted. There are times, I move in my own rhythm and forget to
open a moment with you. Forgive me when I become self-centered and arrogant. Curb
my tongue when I speak harshly of others.
I ask
for your special mercy in areas of my life mostly my shadow life that lives
opposite of what you desire for me. At times, it seems so strong that
overwhelms my desire to live according to what you will. I continue to hold
onto trying to control rather than surrendering to you.
Guide
me in ways that lead me to life. To not hide in the shadow anymore. To strengthen
me. Look to my family and you know how important they are. Heal the hurts I have
caused by my life with them and others. I pray this in Jesus’ name.
And here is the response that came to me.
Dear Eldon
Do you
not believe I love you. That even when you turn away, I am there waiting. It does
pain me that you won’t let go of these petty problems but hang on to them. Did not
I make you in the likeness of my spirit? I will support you in what you do. I will
bring healing to you and those you love and those around you.
Are you
willing to let me into your life? To take time to check in? Be diligent. Practice
the means of grace that you have. No more just mouthing the words but put them
into action. Even when you struggle, I will love you. Nothing you do will separate
me from you.
God
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