What church are you with?

In November, a few friends and I participated in a random act of kindness. We made some welcome home baskets for families who had been displaced by flooding last year and are now returning to their renovated homes. During the delivery of these baskets to homes, one of the families asked: "what church are you with?"

Well, we weren't with any one church. My two friends each attend different church buildings on Sunday, I myself am currently in what I call a "displaced" state (not feeling at home in any one place).

I have contemplated this question quite a bit in the weeks that followed - what church are you with?

Isn't the church made up of people? My friends and I - we ARE the church. 

Why does it matter that we don't have a clearly defined institution to affiliate with? We are Christ's ambassadors; not marketing agents for a particular building/denomination/pastor. The glory (or credit) should be attributed to Christ alone.

I think the next time I am asked this question, I will smile and say, "we are here because God loves you and He asked us to show you that love today."

We, you and me, ARE the church. God isn't interested in a building, or titles, but the condition of our hearts. 

What have you done recently to show Christ's love to another?

just Sheri, ambassador for Christ

Quotable Quotes: Gandalf the Grey

I agree with Gandalf:

Image: by Cynthia Blair via Creative Commons

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

 ~ Gandalf the Grey in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

Need to know basis only

When I used to lead teams on international trips I would tell them they are on a "need to know basis." To me that meant, I would tell them what they needed to know just before they needed the information - usually the morning of.

I think God is doing that to me now. There was a time when I used to have a clear end destination - a defined calling: international work with women and children affected by HIV and AIDS. This calling followed a predictable path; I caught a vision, worked toward it for a period of years, knowing this would be my future and I wanted to be ready when the opportunity presented itself; the opportunity presented itself and I was ALL in, loving every minute of the adventure and the people I was serving with.

Then God asked me to give it up for the unknown. That was in 2009. I have tried to make other things that interest me fit - that didn't work. I have tried to settle in to normal and forget there was ever anything more - that didn't work either. Instead, I am more like the Israelites wandering in the dessert; following a cloud and unsure where the final destination will be, or when I might get there.

Apparently, I have been put on a "need to know" basis. I get marching orders for the day and then it is up to me to carry them out. I much prefer a clearly defined destination, but I trust the One who is higher than I to lead me.

just Sheri, wandering in the dessert

Stop Hatin'

When I was young (starting around 10 years old) I became mesmerized by politics and the political process. I read about it. I watched it. Even before I could vote I participated in the process through political rallies or protests. Today, I find so much of the system detestable.

Virginia, where we currently reside, was deemed a "battleground" state in the recent Presidential election. That means the final count of the vote can go to either party. Apparently, that turns in to month after month after month of political ads...everywhere! If you live in the U.S., I don't have to tell you how negative political ads have become. I can't think of a single ad that was uplifting, heartwarming or inspiring - instead, it was constant criticism of words, speculation about actions, and what can best be defined as fear mongering. I thought the negativity would end after the election.


During election day, I was so impressed. It was surprising to me how orderly and civil the process was - even though folks disagree and stood in line for hours. No violence erupted  No one died. Then the contender graciously concedes - even before all of the votes have been counted. This is not a guarantee. Peaceful elections are not a given around the globe. This is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

My contentment with the political process didn't last long. Soon the concession speech is being torn apart, along with the speaker. Soon fingers are pointing and tongues wagging about what went wrong, who did what. I think political pundits have mistaken criticism for analysis. I am just so tired of the negativity. I am so tired of the divisiveness. I don't think this hatin' is good for our nation. I long for civility, a dialogue of ideals, and a sense of we are all in this together.

just Sheri, tired of the negativity

Oprah-nized

The Hubs and I were recently having a conversation about influential people. People who are influential on a grand scale usually have a few things in common - but, of those we could name a common denominator was wealth (mostly earned through expertise in a field). Of the super wealthy and influential people on our list, one stood out above all others. Oprah.

Photo by Alan Light via Creative Commons

We put Oprah in a category by herself because of how she shares her influence. When Oprah promotes someone, they usually become a superstar in their own right - we call this being "Oprah-nized." Here is just a small sampling of Oprah's protege's:

• Suze Orman - used to be a special feature on Oprah's show and now a leading voice in finance and investment
• Dr. Phil - also a guest feature on her talk show, now the star of a long standing talk show of his own
• Dr. Oz - same as above
• Rachel Ray - Oprah helped produce her show and now she is a common household name
• Nate Berkus - a leading name in interior design, also hit it big with an Oprah stamp of approval
• every author chosen for the book club became a best seller

I am sure the list is longer - these were just the folks I could name off the top of my head.

In 2010, Oprah was honored at the Kennedy Center. Chris Rock was one of the presenters. He started his monologue by acknowledging important people in the room, in the balcony sat the two honorees (Oprah and Paul McCartney) and President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle. Chris Rock says, "it's an amazing feeling to look up and see the most powerful person in the world...and right next to her, Barack Obama. He didn't get her a job, she got him a job." It was funny, but true. Oprah's endorsement of Obama helped him win the presidential nomination over other candidates like Hillary Clinton.

I mention this, not to promote Oprah specifically, nor any of her protege's; but to promote a character quality worth replicating. I do not have the level of influence of any of these, but in my sphere of influence - what am I doing to promote others? to set them on a course of success? to invest in their dream? to bring out their unique talents? It is a good way to be and a good thing to do.

just Sheri, wanting to use my influence to benefit others