Yesterday was the first Sunday in Lent and I just began in traditional worship a new sermon series called, Journey to Hope. The outline of the series is taken from United Methodist Communications and although it is written with young adult audience in mind, I am adapting it to fit people of all ages. As part of the sermon series, I will be using my blog each week to interact further as we make this journey together.
Yesterday, we used the Gospel of Mark text in 10:13-16 when Jesus greeted the little children and said, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." While this passage is often used to celebrate the life of children in the kingdom, in God's eyes, we are all children of his kingdom. Like little children, we stumble and fall from time to time, and like little children we need a heavenly parent who can pick us up and dust us off so that we can continue our journey. This week, think of a time when a friend lifted you up when you were down. What difference did that make in your life. Maybe this is a good week to give them a call - or email - or snail mail - or twitter or text or tweet - however you communicate. Maybe this week is a week to say "thank you" all over again. We all do need someone beside us to help pick us up when we fall.
Emily Kimbrough said it best - "Remember, we all stumble, everyone one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."
