Church Wounds | Round-up
The labor that went into this series was difficult at times, but it was also a time of rejoicing, for the Lord is on His throne. He remains sovereign. HE has my heart, and for that I am eternally grateful. I pray that those who read this series will be encouraged to stand firm in God Who is Able, no matter the wounds and scars. I pray you will find the beauty of lament. I pray you will find the courage to plant your feet in the breathed-out Word of God and stay there, even when things don't turn out how you want or expect. Take heart. In Christ, we have a mighty heritage.
Part One: Going & Staying
"Two years ago our family left our longtime church body. It was extremely painful. I’m still not “over it.” When things go bad within a body of believers, it is terribly hard. I’ve struggled to let go. I’ve struggled with knowing what to do, what to say, how to deal with the emotional and relational upheaval."
Part Two: Wound Stages
"Blessedly, as believers, we don’t serve a god who is far-removed from suffering. As we examine our own wounds, it’s good for us to remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the suffering servant. Jesus knows wounds. Jesus WAS wounded."
Part Three: We Needed Stitches
"The final Sunday at our former church, I dressed in black. I had wept in anguish each day that week, mourning what was set in motion. As I searched my closet that Sunday morning, I was purposeful in what I pulled from the hanger. I remember thinking, I’m wearing black because this feels like a funeral."
Part Four: Infection
"When we’re talking church wounds (any relational wounds!) we’d be remiss to avoid talking infection. And talking infection is going to lead us to introspection. Because no matter the way we got the wound, it’s our responsibility to be on guard for infection. I know it is always easier to take the victim route, as if we have no part to play, no choice in the matter. That’s partially correct: we don’t have a choice for how people around us act. But we do have control over how WE react."
Part Five: Scars
"As I heal, I come away weakened. But really, that’s not a bad thing. Not when the weakness is made strong...not when the power of Christ can rest on me. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This series is included in TOP POSTS of 2019
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| Alanyadk from Pixabay |
Part One: Going & Staying
"Two years ago our family left our longtime church body. It was extremely painful. I’m still not “over it.” When things go bad within a body of believers, it is terribly hard. I’ve struggled to let go. I’ve struggled with knowing what to do, what to say, how to deal with the emotional and relational upheaval."
Part Two: Wound Stages
"Blessedly, as believers, we don’t serve a god who is far-removed from suffering. As we examine our own wounds, it’s good for us to remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the suffering servant. Jesus knows wounds. Jesus WAS wounded."
"The final Sunday at our former church, I dressed in black. I had wept in anguish each day that week, mourning what was set in motion. As I searched my closet that Sunday morning, I was purposeful in what I pulled from the hanger. I remember thinking, I’m wearing black because this feels like a funeral."
Part Four: Infection
"When we’re talking church wounds (any relational wounds!) we’d be remiss to avoid talking infection. And talking infection is going to lead us to introspection. Because no matter the way we got the wound, it’s our responsibility to be on guard for infection. I know it is always easier to take the victim route, as if we have no part to play, no choice in the matter. That’s partially correct: we don’t have a choice for how people around us act. But we do have control over how WE react."
Part Five: Scars
"As I heal, I come away weakened. But really, that’s not a bad thing. Not when the weakness is made strong...not when the power of Christ can rest on me. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This series is included in TOP POSTS of 2019
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