Community

It appears that the theme of my life in the last few weeks has been about communities and how they function (or don't function). Perhaps the most interesting thing for me is how we tend to react in regards to crises. There's a lot whirling about in my head regarding more and more scandals and general bad which is being seen today. Rather than focusing on those things specifically, I wish to juxtapose two quotes for you.

“We need God's help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can't expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living.” -Ronald Reagan

“When written in Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters-one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” -John F. Kennedy

I believe that both of these quotes are important and informative. When we feel that we have gone far beyond our own capabilities is most often when we turn to God. That, however, is not when we should be speaking with the Divine.

Think about this a moment. Do you talk to your friends only when you need help? Would you want to have children who only call when they want something? That's not how one should be talking with God any more than it is how you should relate to others. The word community and communion have the same root, which is fellowship. We should have fellowship with each other and with the Divine.

As to the second quote, a crisis is an opportunity, a time when old patterns may be broken, new ones formed and a point when our mettle is tested. It is also a time of danger, to be sure.
There are a lot of good, honest folk out there in churches today where there is crisis in their parish, synod or top-level assembly - in their communion with each other and the Divine.

I would humbly submit that they should trust the Almighty with the danger and grasp the opportunity to change their community for the better. To do so requires prayerful, respectful and honest communication. It takes patience and loving. Most of all, it takes a willingness to come together.

Sorry if this doesn't make too much sense right now.