Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, May 29, 2022
I love a good superhero movie: Avengers, Superman, or Wonder Woman sweeping in and saving the day. But, the virtue of heroism is less about doing and more about becoming.
Romans 15:1 says, “We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Our actions will be shaped by the person we have become.
So, the question is not, “How can I be a hero?” Instead, the question is, “How can I prepare myself to be heroic in those moments in life that demand it?”
A hero is not defined by size, stature, or supernatural powers but by obedience, faith, and the pursuit to see the world made right. Someone in your life needs you to step up: A child, a parent, a spouse, or a friend. They need you to be obedient. They need you to follow through.
On this Memorial Day Weekend, let’s not forget to give thanks to those who courageously gave their lives so that we may have the opportunity to live in such a way that honors their sacrifices.
Get Your Head Out of the Clouds
Be thankful for the graceful interruptions that pull your head out of the cloud of grief, for those are heavenly gifts to center you back on life.
You can spend your days with your head in the clouds and allow yourself to be distracted by the past. But if you want to see Jesus, look around and see him here.
Weekly Prayer
We come, O Lord, to confess our lack of trust. We have too often acted as though we are powerless in the face of today's events. Please help us to live with confidence in your presence today and in the hope of life with you forever.
We have not lived as kingdom people. Instead, we place our attention on hopelessness, fear, and selfishness. We are ruled by our schedules and need for control. We forget that your kingdom draws near us on earth. Forgive us.
Forgive the smallness of our vision, the narrowness of our outlook, the weakness of our love, the nervousness of our witness, and our repeated failure to recognize the fullness of your revelation in Christ.
Please give us a more profound sense of wonder, a stronger faith, and a greater understanding of all you have done. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did the little corn say to the mama corn? Where is pop corn?
What kind of tree fits in your hand? A palm tree!
I have been thinking………..
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Jesus loves children. Do we?
Year after year and the innocent continue to be slaughtered. At what point do we say that, as a nation, we have made child sacrifice part of our nationalistic religion of partisan politics?
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Books I Am Reading
How (Not) to Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor
‘A place of rest’: Guest house to offer financial relief to families impacted by disabilities
Photographer Gregg Segal Captures What Kids From Around The World Eat In A Week
The Kitchen That Keeps On Giving
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
This summer, we are providing families with children in our Path Project in the Baker and Glover community with grocery supplies for lunches.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. If you have any questions, please call or text Mary Wall (205)-242-1372
Question Reflection (and yes, I actually think about these things)
After you watch your choice of news media, do you feel more informed or activated to demonize others? If you are driven to hate, it might be time to find another outlet to get your news.
Weekly Blessing
Blessed are we when it is not our greatness that speaks, but our littleness. For it is our vulnerability that is the truest thing about us, the place where mutual connection is possible, where competition ends and community begins.
Kate Bowler
Click Here to read more.
Show UP Challenge of the week
Take a moment and write a handwritten note to someone whom you know has been having a difficult time.