I love the continued language used declaring that all have worth. No matter what we think of ourselves or others, this message states there is worth in every one of us.  Its a powerful message carrying wholeness and hope. This isn't about valuing the actions of people or ourselves its about the inherent worth in each of us.  It's not about measuring ourselves to others its about our intrinsic value; the unique characteristics and qualities of who we are as a person that makes us, us. 


​We all have imperfections and we all suffer to some degree. Through this we must continue to have a caring response to our own and others mess ups and difficult moments. You have worth. You are unique. You are valued. If you don't feel this way please consider adding meaning to your life by taking part in activities that make you feel important and loved.  Consider joining a Community of Christ online group.  

None of the words above mean anything if our actions do not match them. The scripture pushes each of us in this faith community to find the commonalities within the people we come in contact with.  This world has too much division for us to add to it.  Whether it be our family, church, employment, or elsewhere, we need to find ways to bridge our relationships with mutual respect and understanding.


​Making someone have the same opinion of you is not understanding or respectful. Its about listening, valuing the worth of a person, engaging in real dialogue that deepens relationships so that divisions can be torn down and replaced by bridges of love. Sometimes we get to the point where we cannot fathom the beliefs of others. This is when we need to work tirelessly to tear down the walls of separation. We must remember it is in our differences including opinions and beliefs that make us better as a whole.  

We are no stronger than the weakest among us.  Who is the weakest in your community?  Jesus went to the marginalized and rejected to bring hope and healing. He touched the lepers when told not too, he spoke to woman who didn't have the same rights, he loved on the Sabbath when he was to rest. Jesus didn't come for the strong, he came for those on the edges of society who didn't have a voice. So I ask you who is hurting in your community?


If we are to bear the name of Jesus so too must we reach out to show the love of God to others. To help strengthen those who are weak, to shelter those who are homeless, to clothe those who are naked, to empower those who feel voiceless. This is what it means to be a disciple that bears the name the Christ.  This is what it means to be a prophetic people, a faith community that upholds the worth of all people. It's not about sitting quietly in our churches but living with the weakest in our community; tearing down the walls between us and embracing the bridges that bring love and understanding. I see this and wonder about my own ability to live this out. This is no easy task, but I know if I am too follow Jesus, these are the stakes. We hold precious lives in our hands.  What will you do?

I appreciate all those willing to carry the name of Jesus on their hearts each day.  

This week identify who is rejected and marginalized in your community and take action to create just systems and relationships where all have worth.  

June 25, 2020 was World Pride Day! It was a day to celebrate LBGTQIA+ individuals and the movement for acceptance.  I was able to watch Toronto Community of Christ online worship ton June 28th which was focused on LBGTQIA+ awareness and radical hospitality. It was an awesome worship led by ministers who are LBGTQIA+ in the Community of Christ in conjunction with Harmony (non-profit organization focused on LBGTQIA+ advocacy and education to congregations in Community of Christ).  You can check it out on the YouTube video below.

LBGTQIA+ individuals have historically been rejected and ostracized by faith groups for centuries causing deep pain and great harm to people. The inner conflict between beliefs which have been instilled in individuals and their own sexual orientation has caused significant turmoil to navigate.  Some have found refuge in family while others have been rejected by those closest to them. Faith communities have often turned their back. Though the world today is slowly becoming a better and more safer place for those who are LBGTQia+ religious organizations tend to still be a place of division and pain for such individuals. Especially for those who grew up in one of the largest religious institutions who continue to not uphold same sex marriage and equal rights for those who are LBGTQia+.  

This is one of many reasons why Topeka Community of Christ felt compelled to have a booth at the September 2019 Topeka Pride Picnic. They wanted to show support and give another perspective on religion and faith. To provide an open door for those who may want to talk about faith.  Community of Christ was one of three faith groups who had a booth at the event. The community of Topeka has over 40 different religious denominations. 

Thank you to all those who are out there supporting and advocating for LBGTQIA+ in your communities.  Keep it up!

This week connect with someone different than you. Listen to their story and learn something about who they are that you didn't know. 

Happy belated Father's Day to all those father's out there. I had a great time with my boys however I reflected more than usual on the short amount of years I had with my father.  I remember we decided not to attend church the first Father's Day after he died as it was just too hard.  However as years passed my family did start attending church on Father's Day again. I remember distinctly crying my eyes out when the hymn "This is My Father's World" was played.  It written as a poem by Maltbie Davenport Babcock and was set to music by Franklin L. Sheppard in 1915.  Here is a great video of it if you haven't heard it by Fountainview Academy.  

For me I had a loving, generous, hardworking, and caring father. It was easy for me to think of God as a father because of the relationship I had experienced.  However many have not had the same experience and relating God to a father may be difficult and put strain in their spiritual relationship with the divine. As a follower of Christ I must acknowledge words mean a lot and can cause much pain to people when they are used in the wrong context or cause past memories to surface. I believe churches have an obligation to try to bring wholeness to as many people as possible which means language plays an instrumental role. It is through our language where we hear who God is in our lives. It is through language in which we creatively understand our experiences with the divine.  Often times we get stuck on tradition including our language instead of moving with the spirit of love and peace.

​In Community of Christ Sings the lyrics for "This is My Father's World" were changed to be more inclusive and sensitive to those who do not experience the divine as a father. It is now "This is God's Wondrous World".  Though I will always relate this song to my father I am extremely proud of the the change that has occurred because it shows an awareness to the use of language in our lives. When we are sensitive to the needs of others and take action toward those sensitivities, than we are walking in the Saviors stead.


​There will be some who disagree with this and only see God as a man.  Changing the words is not a challenge to your own perception rather an acknowledgment that it can cause deep pain in others. Continue to view God in your way, but know your perception is not the only one. If we as disciples can create healing relationships and acknowledge others perspectives different than our own than we are following Jesus. 


What relationship do you equate with the divine? 

Is there language you use that may cause deep pain in others?

How can you bring wholeness to others through your words?

I appreciate everyone who continues to spread hope and love in this world during this year where life has been turned upside down.  

This week reflect on how you use language and take measures to make it more inclusive.