January 27, 2023
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Dear Lake B family and friends,
I have enjoyed hearing how some of you are processing this season of Epiphany in response to two questions:
I have started looking at people I admire to discover epiphanies that have changed the course of their lives. It’s not that hard. When I googled, “Maya Angelou epiphany,” here’s what came up: “I am loved by Love Itself. There is nothing good that I can’t do.” This makes so much sense when I consider Maya Angelou’s writings and her life. She did seem guided by this “epiphany”. I agree, though I need to be reminded of this: We are indeed loved by Love itself. Love fills us and empowers us. Love walks with and alongside us. Love animates our lives and moves us to action. And Love never fails. All things are made possible with that kind of Love. That’s not saying we won’t face difficult things. Newspapers and newsfeeds bombard us with reasons to doubt the power of Love in the world. The recent acts of terror and violence committed against an elderly Asian community in Monterey Park reminds us how vulnerable we are at times. Will we allow such events to isolate us and our loved ones out of fear? To push us away from community? We’ve heard that Love conquers all. Does this include conquering the pervasive evil in the world. It sounds “pie-in-the-sky-ish”, but I think Love can conquer – AND cover - a multitude of evil things. Love can do the impossible – it can transform, renew, reconcile, make peace – but it requires something. Love needs a body to do its work. Love needs hands and feet and the will to act. Love needs generous hearts, willing souls, determined minds and persistent strength. If Love requires anything, it requires our YES and our participation. Jesus was Love with skin and bones. And now, may Love be embodied in us. Pastor Lina |