08-05-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 5, 2020
Guest Writer: Rev. Sheila Gillette
Scripture: Romans 8:24-27 NIV
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Thought for the Day: This scripture speaks loud and clear to me about the last 5 months or so of this Pandemic. I have been without hope, scared of getting sick, not just sick- because I have been ill four times in the last 3 months, but thankfully COVID negative. With an immune disorder that lowers my defenses, my fear overwhelms me through this time. I have been afraid. Afraid of going places, afraid of stepping outside, overall afraid. Depressed, unmotivated, scared to do ministry to help others. SAD, but truthful. I don’t know if any of you can relate to this in this time, but I am being honest and I think a lot of honesty is what we all need at this time.  Yes, I am a minister and I should get my strength from God and pull up my bootstraps and carry on, yet I have not been able to do that.  My escape is reading novels all day. Not listening to the news or anything too heavy, totally devoted to self-care to get me through. I have not been able to visit my mother with dementia for 4 months. Going to my counselor and getting help, having someone listen to me- yes that helps. Rebuilding broken relationships with my sons and grandchildren a step at a time has really helped.  Going to the horse barn and watching my 13-year-old granddaughter ride her horse, getting to feed him carrots and realizing I am not afraid of horses anymore is terrific!

Prayer: Gracious God, continue to provide the HOPE found in this scripture that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have all of us in their arms. They (3 in one) are providing HOPE and praying for us when I or you do not know or cannot pray for ourselves. God will provide the HOPE in any and all] situations. Each of us is saved by his grace and intercessory prayer. And even though we might not have the patience needed, God does. HOPE with God never fails. In Christ’s Holy Name, AMEN

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