stuck between a rock and a...

It isn't the first time the church has been sandwiched
between words.

On one side
words are
consistent,
clear,
sure,
black and white.

"It is as simple as this.
You either have faith or you
don't."

On one side the
words are
gentle,
encouraging,
welcoming,
filled with compassion...
and grace enough
for doubt and
difference.

"Faith is not as simple
as we want it to be.
We wrestle to understand.
We allow for a measure of gray."

On one side faith seems to be a place of sureness and discipline.
On one side faith seems to be a place of grace with room enough.

Oh how we like to point fingers at each other.
"You're hard headed and close minded."
"You stand for nothing, anything goes."
"You don't love enough."
"You love too much."

It's the season of Lent
when we
are called
to wander in the wilderness...
to contemplate,
fast,
and confess.

It's the season of Lent....

We would do well
to spend
this season
with
sealed lips...
and open hearts.

Who knows...
we may just find our
way together...

What will it take
for us to be together?
What will it take?

Perhaps when we are together
we will recognize the Promised Land,
we will finally celebrate
Easter.