True Confessions: I am committed to blogging every day for one year. I am on a 163-day streak. I wrote this last night during a reading break from my Synod Agenda. I then fell asleep reading and did not post. So tonight you will get two blogs, one written last night and posted tonight and one written tonight and posted tonight. Then I will be back on track!
In just a few weeks, I will serve as a delegate to the Christian Reformed Church Synod. This week-long commitment involves participating in dialogue and decisions that will shape the direction of the Church for the future. It is an intense week of long days. The agenda is heavy and it is clear that yet again, the division in the denomination is significant.
Tonight, at the end of our Council meeting at church, the leadership team asked if they could pray over me. My initial internal reaction was to tear up, for the idea of being prayed for and prayed over is very touching and dear to my heart. I also felt a wave of anxiety as I realized that when I stand for an extended period with my eyes closed, my balance may not be outstanding, and people may recognize that I am swaying a bit.
As my friends and fellow leaders encircled me and reached an arm out, I bowed my head and closed my eyes. I felt each person’s strength stabilizing and holding me firm. I heard the words of the prayer, asking God to provide tenderness for my heart and wisdom to discern, courage to speak and rest at night, and energy by day. In the prayer and embracing the feeling of strength from my friends, I wept in gratitude for a community that cares, prays, and loves me so well as I prepare to use my voice to speak out in the ways God has convicted me to represent His Church.
I welcome you to join me in extending your arms of strength and your words of prayer for the prep work and spirit-led deliberations the week of Synod, June 13 to 20, 2024. ❤️trish