What is your story?

Imagine a world where we listen to everyone’s stories and learn we are not as different as we are the same. - STORYPEOPLE

I got a little taste of that world on Wednesday, at coffee with Rev. Donna and Terry.  As I listened to a small part of Terry’s story, I discovered that we shared something in common.  That discovery was significant because it changed the way I think about Terry.

This weekend, we celebrate Mother's Day. The stories of our family life can be both wonderful and painful, but they are stories that we know.  The rich stories of our church family members, those things that we have in common may still be there for us to discover.  After my experience with Terry, I want to discover more of your stories!

The first Mother's Day was celebrated in May, 1907, but its roots go back to 1858 when a remarkable woman organized Mother's Work Days to improve sanitation and reduce deaths from disease-bearing insects and polluted water. Other women are included in its history which you can read about here:  https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/history-of-mothers-day/

Mother's Day now celebrates the contributions of women and all the mothering they do in the world, not just being mothers to children. 

Like the women who have worked to improve the world, Jesus came so that we could have a better life.  He wanted us to do God’s will (harmonious cooperation) and called those who do, his real family…his mother even. This is the Jesus Way.

When we gather in our circle in worship on Sunday, I will look around at each one of you and think, “This is my family, my mother, my brothers and my sisters.  What are their stories?”  This too is the Jesus Way.

Luke 24:13-32  MSG

“Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road?” 

John 10.10  MSG

“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

Mark 3:31-35  (NIVUK)

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.’

‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ he asked.

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’

Behold, behold, I make all things new

my promise is true, for I am Christ the Way.