Message from Pastor Karyn for October 2020
Dear friends, this newsletter article is taunting me for I have few words right now that feel or sound edifying. My soul actually longs for fewer words and more stillness. So I am going to invite you into a moment of stillness with me, right now, as you are reading this newsletter. We live in a world that is so full of so many things and there are days when the burden of these things is too much and the words are too loud. Paul tells us that if we speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, we are a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I think we can all testify to the truth of that - there has been a lot of noisy gongs and clanging cymbals in my world lately.
So take a moment, light a candle if there is one nearby or if you care to go get one. I’m going to run to my room and grab my candle and lighter. I’ll be right back…
“Remember that you have all you need for this moment. ”
Okay, so my candle is lit and I am sitting comfortably. I hope you are too. Let’s take a few deep breaths together. Studies show that deep, even breathing helps to lower anxiety. It is a great tool to use in just about any situation (don’t try it underwater, it doesn’t work so well). A couple more breaths… in… out… pause… repeat.
Jesus says to us: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Take 5 minutes, keep breathing, ponder this truth of Jesus’. Maybe take a word or a phrase and explore it for a time. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to what you need to hear. And keep breathing.
In those moments when I am sure I am not enough, when I question my worthiness as a leader or daughter or citizen or sister, when I don’t know which way is up and what I am supposed to do next, this is my prayer: I am weary and carrying heavy burdens, give me rest. Amen. Jesus hears and then provides a moment of rest, a time of restoration and an assurance of whose I am so that I can face what is to come.
Breathe some more, dear friends. Breathe in God’s love, breathe out all that tries to tell you it is not yours to have. Remember you are loved, no matter what. Remember that you have all you need for this moment. Remember that you are not alone.
