I know for a lot of people “church” is a painful word.
For some, church is a symbol of hypocrisy and pain.
But for me, church means something different.

Church is loving – even when it’s hard.
Church is giving – even when it hurts.
Church is caring – even when the world has turned away.
Church is remembering – even when it’s easier to forget.
Church is remembering – even when it’s hard to forget.
Church is showing kindness – even when it won’t be returned.
Church is quiet patience – even when it’d be easier and faster to just do it yourself.
Church is keeping on keeping on – even when you are tired and weary.
Church is being ready, being willing – even when you really just want to take a break.
Church is having a family who take up your slack when you just can’t keep going.
Church is having a family who puts out their hand when you need it most.
Church is having a family who loves you – even when it’s hard.
Church is knowing you aren’t alone.
Thanks be to God!

*****

As I was writing this post, I learned of the death of Brennan Manning. His book Abba’s Child* was suggested to me by a friend when I was really struggling with the angry voices in my heart and head, and it helped me come to realization that God loves me no matter where I am or where I’ve been. And he also loves you and commands me to love you, too. No matter where you are. A different friend posted this video link in which Manning says: Is this what Christianity is all about? Is this the good news of Jesus? Is this the kingdom that He proclaimed? A community of men and women who go to church on Sunday, read their bibles now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don’t go to X-rated movies, never use four-letter words (especially when girls are around)? People who smile a lot, kid around, hold doors open for people, root for the Chiefs? And get a long with everybody? Is that why Jesus went to the bleak and bloody horror of Calvary? Why he emerged in shattering glory from his resurrection? Why he poured out his Holy Spirit upon the church? Was it merely to make nicer men and women with better morals? The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus meaningless unless we knew he lived and died and rose with but one purpose in mind: Pentecost! To pour out the Holy Spirit upon the church. Not to make nicer people with better morals but brand new creations, a community of prophets and professional lovers. Men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who live in ever-greater fidelity to the omnipresent word of God, who would enter into the center of all that is, into the very heart and mystery of Christ and to the center of that flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant love, which is really what it means to claim the name Christian.

My prayer is that both you and I will boldly live with extravagant love.