The Pain is Real

Earlier in the year, I was in conversation with some people I did not know very well.  We were all leaving church and exchanging typical farewell pleasantries following the benediction and brief fellowship time.  To one man I asked the question, “So how are things with you?”  His response was, “Fine, if you don’t ask for details.”  This was followed by a woman who said , “Reverend, you don’t have time to hear all I am going through.” Life is as one song writer said, “Joy and pain, sunshine and rain.”  To ignore the reality of pain and suffering by so many people is to do a disservice to the community of believers who want to keep their hope alive in the face of difficult times.

 

Iowa has been in the news because of the presidential election and the long-term flood recovery needs. Another story that is affecting thousands of families in Iowa, and across the country, is the economic recession.  The loss of jobs and loss of income due to the market is only made worse when cities and towns are attempting to rebound following tornadoes and flooding.  Many seniors on fixed incomes are worried about the future.  Churches that lead the way in mission service, apportionment giving and service to the most vulnerable citizens are feeling the effects of individuals and families in their congregations that are under severe stress.

 

As the Bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference, I have heard from pastors and laity who paint vivid pictures of the reality of our present life together that includes the pains of foreclosures and job loss.  Anxiety and worry about money can overwhelm us if we do not encourage one another and promise not to abandon our neighbors.

 

There are two key words I would like to emphasize this season:  together and through. Church membership in The United Methodist Church includes mutual responsibility as we live out what it means to be part of the body of Christ

together.  “A member is bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risk and celebrate the joys of fellow members.” (2004 Book of Discipline). We are in these times together.  I am with you and God is with all of us.  In the reading verse 4 of the 23 Psalm (the Shepherd’s Psalm), “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;  For you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (NRSV).  Together we must be reminded that the dark valley is a season and that our emphasis is on goingthroughand going through together.

As I was making the transition to Iowa, a colleague reminded me of a gift she had given me in July.  It was a yellow frog.  The frog was to remind me and for me to remind others to Fully-Rely-On-God. In these difficult times, let us give ourselves over to prayer along with an unapologetic commitment to helping each other as wereach out to our neighbors.  I am praying for you as I write this article concluding with words from the prophet Jeremiah.

 

By: Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble On 12/5/2008

Topics: Pain