Word from the Pastor
I like to listen to a talk show on the radio if I happen to be driving in the afternoon. The doctor fielding questions feels quite strongly about actions producing consequences and taking responsibility for our actions. The other day she made some rather broad strokes regarding children who are being raised to learn that their value comes from external sources and as a result are filled with anxiety. After all, we know how kind and gentle the real world is! She cited getting picked on traveling sports teams, earning the highest grades in class, having the best a) phone, b) computer, c) notebook, d) all of the above as signs of an external value system. The doctor mentioned that children are more medicated than in the past and she postulated that it might just be that children are not being taught that their true, authentic value comes from within. I’m not sure I agree with her about the cause of increased medication –after all, we have much more information on how the brain works, chemistry, and neurotransmitters that I believe figures into the picture. However, her comment about external vs internal values has set me thinking.
As Christians, all of us are involved in the spiritual formation of children, youth, and, yes, adults. We are called to instill in students of all ages that a) God loves us beyond all worldly measures, b) God gives us gifts and talents that are unique to each one of us, c) we will mess up and disappoint God, d) all of the above. Items “a” and “b” are where our true value lies within each of us. These are the sources of our true value that is breathed into us when born. It’s when Item “c” is allowed to gain momentum, we think it will impact Items “a” and “b”. Yet, Jesus taught us about the need for forgiveness. God will never turn away a humble and contrite heart. There is absolutely nothing that we can do that can separate us from the love of God in whom we live and move and have our being–and our value!
Lent is the season of preparation –a time to look within and acknowledge the thoughts and actions that have fallen short of pleasing God and to seek God’s forgiveness. As teachers to others, we can model this by making ourselves vulnerable before those whom we teach. Open ourselves up to recognize how and why we “missed the mark” (another translation for the word “sin”). By modeling the way, we encourage others to do the same. It is through the act of seeking forgiveness that helps the anxiety to lessen. Let us inspire and encourage those around us to humble ourselves and in doing so will help all to access the Divine value that resides within each one of us.
-Mary Lou Plummer
I like to listen to a talk show on the radio if I happen to be driving in the afternoon. The doctor fielding questions feels quite strongly about actions producing consequences and taking responsibility for our actions. The other day she made some rather broad strokes regarding children who are being raised to learn that their value comes from external sources and as a result are filled with anxiety. After all, we know how kind and gentle the real world is! She cited getting picked on traveling sports teams, earning the highest grades in class, having the best a) phone, b) computer, c) notebook, d) all of the above as signs of an external value system. The doctor mentioned that children are more medicated than in the past and she postulated that it might just be that children are not being taught that their true, authentic value comes from within. I’m not sure I agree with her about the cause of increased medication –after all, we have much more information on how the brain works, chemistry, and neurotransmitters that I believe figures into the picture. However, her comment about external vs internal values has set me thinking.
As Christians, all of us are involved in the spiritual formation of children, youth, and, yes, adults. We are called to instill in students of all ages that a) God loves us beyond all worldly measures, b) God gives us gifts and talents that are unique to each one of us, c) we will mess up and disappoint God, d) all of the above. Items “a” and “b” are where our true value lies within each of us. These are the sources of our true value that is breathed into us when born. It’s when Item “c” is allowed to gain momentum, we think it will impact Items “a” and “b”. Yet, Jesus taught us about the need for forgiveness. God will never turn away a humble and contrite heart. There is absolutely nothing that we can do that can separate us from the love of God in whom we live and move and have our being–and our value!
Lent is the season of preparation –a time to look within and acknowledge the thoughts and actions that have fallen short of pleasing God and to seek God’s forgiveness. As teachers to others, we can model this by making ourselves vulnerable before those whom we teach. Open ourselves up to recognize how and why we “missed the mark” (another translation for the word “sin”). By modeling the way, we encourage others to do the same. It is through the act of seeking forgiveness that helps the anxiety to lessen. Let us inspire and encourage those around us to humble ourselves and in doing so will help all to access the Divine value that resides within each one of us.
-Mary Lou Plummer
Word from the Pastor
The apostle Paul writes to the faithful in Corinth that he had been given a thorn in the flesh. Paul asked three times for the thorn to be removed, but the Lord said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” In our Wisconsin Rapids community, we have a stunning example of God’s power made perfect in weakness.
At the public Annual Meeting of the Family Resource Center, Arline Daily Hillestad was recognized for 28 years of service to our community in providing a safe environment for men, women, and children who want to leave abusive situations and begin new and healthy lives. Ms. Hillestad presented a 28 year review of the Center’s history. The seeds of this life-saving program began with her making the difficult decision to leave an abusive relationship. Out of her painful experience grew an organization that first provided safe shelter and counseling services and expanded to new programs and outreach efforts that required a new facility. Out of her weakness (unhealthy, abusive relationship), power was perfected in a social service that dramatically affects people’s lives. It was also revealed at the Annual Meeting that approximately 30% of Center’s resources come from the Wisconsin Rapids community. The support of the community is much appreciated.
Paul’s words quoted above are about revelation – God revealing Godself through our weaknesses. We have choices throughout life. We can choose to lie down when we feel as though life is pummeling us. Or, we can choose to do something about it. One wise woman said, “We cannot be a doormat (with people walking all over us) when we decide to stand up!” God’s grace is sufficient for us. The power within that grace is what propels us to stand and reveal God’s strength. If life gets you down, think of it as an opportunity to make known what God can do. Live into revelation. Arline did and our community is so much the better for it.
At the public Annual Meeting of the Family Resource Center, Arline Daily Hillestad was recognized for 28 years of service to our community in providing a safe environment for men, women, and children who want to leave abusive situations and begin new and healthy lives. Ms. Hillestad presented a 28 year review of the Center’s history. The seeds of this life-saving program began with her making the difficult decision to leave an abusive relationship. Out of her painful experience grew an organization that first provided safe shelter and counseling services and expanded to new programs and outreach efforts that required a new facility. Out of her weakness (unhealthy, abusive relationship), power was perfected in a social service that dramatically affects people’s lives. It was also revealed at the Annual Meeting that approximately 30% of Center’s resources come from the Wisconsin Rapids community. The support of the community is much appreciated.
Paul’s words quoted above are about revelation – God revealing Godself through our weaknesses. We have choices throughout life. We can choose to lie down when we feel as though life is pummeling us. Or, we can choose to do something about it. One wise woman said, “We cannot be a doormat (with people walking all over us) when we decide to stand up!” God’s grace is sufficient for us. The power within that grace is what propels us to stand and reveal God’s strength. If life gets you down, think of it as an opportunity to make known what God can do. Live into revelation. Arline did and our community is so much the better for it.
