Dear Christ Church Friends,
Now is the time to step boldly into what is to come.
That quote showed up once when I was searching for something else and I copied and saved it. Far too often on my life, I have discovered that I am waiting on something rather than stepping boldly into what is to come. Sometimes, I am waiting to see if the next thing is something I will like. Sometimes I am waiting to lose weight, or color my hair, or go to the gym, or waiting somehow to feel like I am better and more able and more ready. Its a self-imposed limit really, not a reality. Its me telling myself that somehow now is not the right time. And when I really look closely, not one of those reasons for waiting has ever really turned out to be valid. The same thing happens when it comes to donating money to causes and people I care about. In my anti-racism group, we call it “The Clench” — those moments when some unrealized fear or unfounded concern holds us back from boldly stepping into our work and call.
Parishes in transition do this as well. Especially in the area of stewardship and giving to the church. Sadly, the effect can be deadly on a church already in flex. Some of the common “clenches” are:
What if I don’t like the new priest?
My pledge doesn’t matter that much anyway
What if I don’t like any changes?
Someone else can take care of it. I am new/been around/done my bit/haven’t really started
The only true answer to these clenches is this: As people of faith, the only assurance we have is that Christ saved us from eternal death. That’s it. That’s the only certain thing. O perhaps the real question to ask ourselves is — so what?
So what if I don’t like the new priest?
This is my church and I support it
So what if my pledge isn’t the biggest?
They all matter (ask the Treasurer!)
So what if I don’t like the changes?
All things change but God doesn’t-
give in gratitude to God
So what if someone else can take care of it?
I can do my part as new/been around/done my bit/haven’t really started
Now is the time to step boldly into what is to come. Now. Not tomorrow, or some other time, or some time in the future. Now is when each of us is needed, and now is when each of us can make a difference.
For reflection…
• What makes you “clench” when you think about your pledging? How can you talk back to the clench by saying “so what?”
• How would you live your life if you “stepped boldly into what is to come?”
Blessings and love,
Rev Rebecca+