Psalm 27
Many hopes departed the earth, when the Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod died. October 25, 2009. While preparing his Sunday sermon heart failure claimed Lonnie's last breathe.
My first and only visit to the home of Lonnie and Jackie McLeod came earlier this year. We returned from the Unification Theological Seminary commencement ceremony in Barrytown, NY. Lonnie had his driver stop at a diner on our way home, and we each ordered breakfast food. It was my treat, since Lonnie was providing the transportation home.
The commencement was made superb by Dr. Moon, when she stated her forecast for the seminary. The bacon and eggs with homemade potatoes were yummy. However, what I experienced at Lonnie's house was so unexpected, it completed the day. Showing me his latest memorabilia of Tiger Woods, Lonnie thought collectibles would be the icing on our trip. Then, it became clear that he was a friend of the retired football star Jim Brown. I would argue that Jim Brown is the best all around athlete of my life time. So, Lonnie said the next time Jim visited he would arrange for us to have a conversation over lunch or dinner. Mr. Brown could enhance our urban ministries with his insights into the mindset of gang members. Many hopes and dreams are laid to rest, since Lonnie has departed.
My last communication with Dr. McLeod following our interview on his television broadcast. I was the last of three interviews that night. Rarely do I revisit an interview. However, there must be a copy of our final hour with my name on it. He declared it one of the best interviews he has produced. I am sure he indicated the same to the others as well. The time flew as our like minds discussed changing the world. When leaving the studio, we had our final talk. Our walk to the subway included comments on his love for Jackie, laughter about his children, and his hopes for life. I listened as he gave me encouragement. His last words were: "Thanks for sharing your mind." I responded: "Thanks, Doc, for enriching minds."
Midnight on Sunday, October 25th, I shook and came to stillness, when I heard that Lonnie McLeod had left this world. A heart pacer recently replaced gave way. Lonnie is gone. On the weekend to follow, we would witness a gathering of strangers meeting in commonality, because in some sphere of time life had been shared with Lonnie McLeod. The game of life is over for Lonnie. He amazing smile leaves memories as he soars in eternity.
Remembering Lonnie McLeod is noting the genius of a theologian, preacher, pastor, friend, brother, and leader. He served as Dean of the the New York Extension Campus of the Unification Theological Seminary during the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Our dreams of developing the ideal seminary for world peace and reconciliation are not buried. They have not died. In fact, they are inflamed. In speaking to Rev. L W Hardaway, we came to conclude that the legacy must go forth. It is grounded on a firm foundation.
In remembering Lonnie, we shall remember the Ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, who inspired our friend. We will teach love of God and neighbor as the sincere expression of love of self. We are going to respect the lives of people of God from every walk of life. We are going to rejoice in caring for people and their freedom of expressions, especially religious freedom. We are going to share empathy and listening to children of God as we build unity in the midst of diversity. As sure as we breathe unto death, we are going to do ... the will of God.
October 31, 2009, we attended the service of remembrance. I walked away having remembered Lonnie McLeod and his living legacy under the inspiration of the spirit of peace. I vow to work faithfully for the cause of World Peace. Let peace continue with you and me. Thus, come along ... let us live on ...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear our voices of remembrance . . . Amen.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Adversity Has An End
Job 42
"God will not place on you more than you can bare." That phase has been around as long as breathe has been in this life. The interpretation of it may vary from person to person. The essence of the statement remains the same - adversity has an end.
I have spent some pain shaking days in a neighboring state to New York City. It has been so accessible by public transportation. Going through difficulties and working through it all has been challenging. The challenge was made least cumbersome by the ways and means to retreat and rekindle. A debt of gratitude is due to the members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, who support their pastor in days of pain. There will be more adversity to face, before the complete turn around. This I have been assured of going through the preparation time. The difference having been on retreat is that of being ready now.
It took days of going back to the basics with limited cell phone use or computer access. It took praying through the day and some sleepless nights. Stepping away from the burden that holds me down was the best part of the treatment plan. Internal debates were welcomed. Glances at the past were permissible. Visions of the future built confidence.
Excellent days shall come. One day the adversity shall cease. Until that day my run on song of praise shall be: "My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord." What are you taking for the pain in your life? What have you grounded your faith in during the storms of life? I recommend taking time to return on earth to our Lord, before going eternally to God. Try the basics of stealing away to converse with the Lord.
Surely the adversary will remain active during such time. It may even appear that evil is winning. Yet, we know the ending of the story, when our trust is in the God of glory. Trust in the restoration power of our Lord. God is more than able. The Lord is our promise keeper. When all has failed and the enemy encamps against us, turn around and seek the face of God. "God is watching us."
During three weeks of constant praying, I uttered to myself the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." The recipe in times of facing adversity has within it a repentance in daily prayer to the God of restoration. When we follow the recipe, we know excellent days shall come.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and heal us. Amen.
"God will not place on you more than you can bare." That phase has been around as long as breathe has been in this life. The interpretation of it may vary from person to person. The essence of the statement remains the same - adversity has an end.
I have spent some pain shaking days in a neighboring state to New York City. It has been so accessible by public transportation. Going through difficulties and working through it all has been challenging. The challenge was made least cumbersome by the ways and means to retreat and rekindle. A debt of gratitude is due to the members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, who support their pastor in days of pain. There will be more adversity to face, before the complete turn around. This I have been assured of going through the preparation time. The difference having been on retreat is that of being ready now.
It took days of going back to the basics with limited cell phone use or computer access. It took praying through the day and some sleepless nights. Stepping away from the burden that holds me down was the best part of the treatment plan. Internal debates were welcomed. Glances at the past were permissible. Visions of the future built confidence.
Excellent days shall come. One day the adversity shall cease. Until that day my run on song of praise shall be: "My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord." What are you taking for the pain in your life? What have you grounded your faith in during the storms of life? I recommend taking time to return on earth to our Lord, before going eternally to God. Try the basics of stealing away to converse with the Lord.
Surely the adversary will remain active during such time. It may even appear that evil is winning. Yet, we know the ending of the story, when our trust is in the God of glory. Trust in the restoration power of our Lord. God is more than able. The Lord is our promise keeper. When all has failed and the enemy encamps against us, turn around and seek the face of God. "God is watching us."
During three weeks of constant praying, I uttered to myself the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." The recipe in times of facing adversity has within it a repentance in daily prayer to the God of restoration. When we follow the recipe, we know excellent days shall come.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and heal us. Amen.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Living A Love Centered Life
Ephesians 5:21-33
Evelyn was in tears today. It was not the first time she has cried. It will not be the last time she cries. It happened to be one of the times she cries for Michael, who died last week. While planning the time of remembrance, we faced the reality of love and certainty of lost.
In the midst of tears she spoke to me of her husband. "Michael", she said, "was a nice man, husband, and father. You would have enjoyed meeting him." Michael bore the character of a child of God. When the time comes to deliver his eulogy of Wednesday, the words will reflect knowledge of him. I met him today through a loving wife. A middle age woman, who was living a love centered life with Michael.
Michael loved Evelyn unconditionally. He would give unto her his whole heart. His illness brought on the most challenging times of their love. Even in sickness he dedicated himself to working for the benefit of the children and his wife, until he could move from the bed. Unto death did part, he was solid as a rock. A testimony to living a love centered life.
What happens when we merge a love centered life with a Christ centered life? Pray about it. Really. I would like to know your thoughts on the matter. The only difference may be in church attendance and membership. You think? You see, we can believe in Christ, yet not center our lives in the Lord. Centering in Christ asks for more than love of God and neighbor. A Christ centered life is lived in the body of Christ - the Church. I am not talking about any particular church, even though all persons are welcome to join Metropolitan Community UMC. I am speaking beyond a building and encouraging worship and fellowship among believers. Faith sharing in praise to the glory of God is what this word is about.
When we get right now to it, the essence of love is in remembrance on the daily. Every day remembering love that flows from God to us, and us to God that is to nurture the love we share between each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and teach us to love. Teach us to really love into eternity. Amen.
Evelyn was in tears today. It was not the first time she has cried. It will not be the last time she cries. It happened to be one of the times she cries for Michael, who died last week. While planning the time of remembrance, we faced the reality of love and certainty of lost.
In the midst of tears she spoke to me of her husband. "Michael", she said, "was a nice man, husband, and father. You would have enjoyed meeting him." Michael bore the character of a child of God. When the time comes to deliver his eulogy of Wednesday, the words will reflect knowledge of him. I met him today through a loving wife. A middle age woman, who was living a love centered life with Michael.
Michael loved Evelyn unconditionally. He would give unto her his whole heart. His illness brought on the most challenging times of their love. Even in sickness he dedicated himself to working for the benefit of the children and his wife, until he could move from the bed. Unto death did part, he was solid as a rock. A testimony to living a love centered life.
What happens when we merge a love centered life with a Christ centered life? Pray about it. Really. I would like to know your thoughts on the matter. The only difference may be in church attendance and membership. You think? You see, we can believe in Christ, yet not center our lives in the Lord. Centering in Christ asks for more than love of God and neighbor. A Christ centered life is lived in the body of Christ - the Church. I am not talking about any particular church, even though all persons are welcome to join Metropolitan Community UMC. I am speaking beyond a building and encouraging worship and fellowship among believers. Faith sharing in praise to the glory of God is what this word is about.
When we get right now to it, the essence of love is in remembrance on the daily. Every day remembering love that flows from God to us, and us to God that is to nurture the love we share between each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and teach us to love. Teach us to really love into eternity. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
