Nelson and I have been going to this great church, Broadway UMC, about 20 minutes north of us. It's a reconciling church in the heart of boystown, the GLBTQ epicenter of the city. We had a church we really loved in VA and I was worried we wouldn't find another so easily this time around. But we found Broadway and I think we could stay here awhile.
Yesterday, the associate pastor preached on the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3. She focused on Moses removing his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Midway through her sermon she invited the congregation to do the same. She told the story of a friend who always removed her shoes before entering a sanctuary because she wanted to be reminded to 'expect the holy.'
I like that. I think it's so easy to get bogged down by what isn't happening and what we aren't seeing that we fail to recognize what is. For me, it's getting a job. I've been in Chicago for 29 days now and I've sent out 26 resumes. I was turned down for a job as a bank teller (I have 2 years of experience) and Starbucks never called back (1 year there). So, yeah, I'm not expecting much and things seem pretty bad right now. But her invitation was a reminder to keep faith. Not necessarily because I'm entitled to the promise of something coming through, but because there is holiness in the midst of it all. And sometimes, we, as stubborn and oblivious beings, need a very intentional way to connect to that. "Remove your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
I kept waiting, throughout her entire sermon, for her to make the connection that was so obvious. "Take off your shoes, expect holiness, give thanks for how God provides" - she's clearly talking about Die Hard, right!? In the very first (best) one, the movie opens with John McClane flying to L.A. to see his wife. Really, if you haven't seen it, do your self a favor. After you finish reading. So, he's on a plane and he's not so keen on flying and his seat mate notices. Then he tells John the secret to surviving air travel. "After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes." Skip several scenes ahead and John's in his wife's office, barefoot and making fists with his toes. And he gets it.
When we remove our shoes, we become rooted to that moment. It doesn't have to be religious, everyone has their own 'holy'. For some, it's as simple as being reminded that you're connected to the ground again. Or a reminder to connect to what has been done instead of what has not. For me, it was a reminder to expect something. Maybe next week I'll learn what that is, but for now I get to hope. And, since my floors are clean, I will walk barefoot.
Yesterday, the associate pastor preached on the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3. She focused on Moses removing his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Midway through her sermon she invited the congregation to do the same. She told the story of a friend who always removed her shoes before entering a sanctuary because she wanted to be reminded to 'expect the holy.'
I like that. I think it's so easy to get bogged down by what isn't happening and what we aren't seeing that we fail to recognize what is. For me, it's getting a job. I've been in Chicago for 29 days now and I've sent out 26 resumes. I was turned down for a job as a bank teller (I have 2 years of experience) and Starbucks never called back (1 year there). So, yeah, I'm not expecting much and things seem pretty bad right now. But her invitation was a reminder to keep faith. Not necessarily because I'm entitled to the promise of something coming through, but because there is holiness in the midst of it all. And sometimes, we, as stubborn and oblivious beings, need a very intentional way to connect to that. "Remove your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
I kept waiting, throughout her entire sermon, for her to make the connection that was so obvious. "Take off your shoes, expect holiness, give thanks for how God provides" - she's clearly talking about Die Hard, right!? In the very first (best) one, the movie opens with John McClane flying to L.A. to see his wife. Really, if you haven't seen it, do your self a favor. After you finish reading. So, he's on a plane and he's not so keen on flying and his seat mate notices. Then he tells John the secret to surviving air travel. "After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes." Skip several scenes ahead and John's in his wife's office, barefoot and making fists with his toes. And he gets it.
 |
| You're welcome, ladies |
Yay! I really liked this one. It made me more excited to go with you next Sunday during my visit. Also I really like making fists with my feet. Not only because it means I don't have shoes on (which I love), but it's also a great sort of relaxing stretchy feeling for your feet. And that kind of pairs back to what you're talking about. When you let go of the tension anywhere in your body and start breathing deeply, clarity and calm can get to your spirit. Then everything starts to look and feel just a little better. Hang in there. Something amazing is right around the corner!
ReplyDeleteLater in the movie, when John is walking on glass, I bet he was wishing that he still had his shoes on, though...
ReplyDelete