Thought for the day from Mother LaRae I have served many, many churches. In every church there are people that have given me much more than I could ever give in return: wisdom, grace, healing....the list could go on and on. There have been a few that I have loved so deeply that my heart has broken when they have died and I feel so saddened upon their death it is like one of my own family has died. Mary Sharp, Sr. from All Saints in East Lansing, MI was one of those people. In my conversations with her about leadership, women in leadership and the church, there was such a sense of grace, humor and practical advice it just felt....well....holy. When she died I felt as though I had been so fortunate to have been with her even for such a short time. She was not perfect, and she would be the first to admit that fact, but she did not let her imperfections and limitations get in the way of what needed to be done. This past Sunday another person who is of that quality has died. Michael Moon of Emmanuel in LaGrange, IL died after years of fighting those nasty chronic diseases that still afflict us humans. He was only 65 and like a brother to me. We only knew each other for 18 months but it was like we had known each other a lifetime. Michael had grown up at Emmanuel and loved that church and her people as only Michael could do. He was not perfect--but far better that he believed himself to be. He had wanted to be a priest but was told by a rector he was not bright enough for that order--and he bowed his head to that belief and went no further. Michael went through many conflicts in the church with several rectors. As we discused some of these events I would say to him: Michael, why, in heavens name, are you still here!?!? He would laugh and say he stayed because it was the church he loved and he chose to focus on those who loved him, the strength he received from the liturgy and the ministry he shared with clergy and laity. His life was the liturgy and the acolyte ministry his passion. During our time together Michael became the Head Verger of Emmanuel Church. Actually, we recognized and named the ministry he had done much of his life. Michael was just always there when needed and made himself available when he was needed -- without complaint and without feeling bitter, used, resentful or abused. He was a servant of the living God. Mary and Michael, and others too numerous to name, have left behind them a legacy that the church is called to carry forth. Mary, the social activist and Michael, the faithful servant who understood the personal sacrifice that faithfulness requires. What I have learned is that people dont need to be perfect to be lights of Christ. Some might say because they are so passionate about their calling their faults are more prominent as well--I dont know about that--I just know that they have changed my life for the better. I have this sense that their spirit has become a bright part of the Spirit of God and will continue to be with us as we come to the table of Eucharist with one another. We will be called to not keep the light they have given us alive, and continue on the legacy they have left to us. As we grieve those we love let us contemplate not only our loss but the gift that has been left with us. It is a gift carried forth by those who understand the depth and breadth of this God we serve. Yesterday, I became very emotional upon reflecting upon the last verse of the last hymn we sang upon ending the Eucharist. Come, labor on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky, till the long shadows oer our pathway lie and a glad sound comes with the setting sun: Servants, well done. m.beemp3s.org/download.php?file=28994747&song=Hymn+541+-+Come+Labor+On
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:17:30 +0000
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