07-18-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 18, 2025
It is so easy to say, “Don’t let the negative words and actions of others define you.” When someone says that, I always want to respond sarcastically, “Wow! I never thought of that.” Most of us still carry wounds from our past, often from childhood. We might think they’ve healed, but there is often just enough of an opening for the poison to sneak in and begin to fester. In Proverbs 17:22, we read: “…a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Most of us can relate, yet the first part of that Proverb says, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine…” Most of us would agree, yet “a cheerful heart” seems rather nebulous, and for that reason, difficult to grasp in such a way that we can easily claim it. Jesus reminded his follower to remain connected to the vine (John 15:5) as we are the branches. It is a pretty metaphor, yet I have found it to be an image from which I do gain a great deal of sustenance and insight when I spend time reflecting on the image of “abiding” or “connecting” to the vine. We connect not simply because it looks good, but because a disconnected branch doesn’t last long. When I am connected to Jesus the vine, I am connected to the one who continues to remind me that I am loved; I have value; I am forgiven; I have purpose; I am not defined by the worst moments of my life. Such a connection will still leave some gaps where negativity can slip in, but both the Jesus of scripture and the Living Christ continue to speak affirmations that dispel negativity and heal wounds.

Encourage me, Spirit of Life, to remain connected to the Good News of Jesus, the one who is life and love. Amen.