a refuge

The reality of growing up
in the Presbyterian Church,
First Presbyterian Church
in Conroe, Texas to be exact,
was that we were
allowed to be who we were.

In other words,
the way we were at school
was the way we were at church.

We didn't have to put on a
facade to go to
Sunday School,
Worship or Youth Group.

This is another way of saying...
church at First Presbyterian Church in Conroe, Texas
was a safe place
a refuge...
we were who we were
and we we were encouraged
to share our stories...
weakness, strengths and all.

I stayed in the Presbyterian Church
for this very reason.

My brother helped me articulate
what I've tried to express all these years.

He's a recovering alcoholic
(12 year chip!)
and active in his AA group.
He said it this way,
"We know everyone has a story,
a story that involves
failure, pain, fear, grief, etc.
When someone comes into our circle
we unconditionally welcome him/her.
We say, we're glad you're hear.
We know you have a story....we all do.
We'll get around to hearing your story...
for now...simply come as you are....
who you are.
Welcome.
We're glad you're here."

These are not is exact words...
they are what I remember him telling me.

This is how I experienced church.
This is how everyone should experience church.

Church should be a safe place
where we relax,
where we breathe,
where we discover in gracious ways
why God loves us.

Church should be a safe place
where we heal,
where we offer encouragement,
where we listen to each others stories.

Church should be a safe place
where we are allowed to
admit and speak our vulnerability
without threat of being
judged and pushed away.

I stayed in the Presbyterian Church
because I experienced
a refuge of grace.

It seems and feels
as we continue debate
that the refuge we
Presbyterians
once claimed to be
is eroding...
and if we are
not mindful
and intentional
we will become
no different than the
religious voices
we were seeking refuge from in the first place.

We all have a story...
We are all vulnerable...
and the good news is God
claims us and loves us....
and never
ever
yanks this
claim
and love from our hands.

Unconditional.
Perseverance.
Two qualities of God's love
I was taught to celebrate
as a Presbyterian.
Two qualities of God's love
I will continue to celebrate
despite
ongoing debate.