sweet, challenging times of reading & reflection at the boston public library!
“Ministry is a very confronting service. It does not allow people to live with illusions of immortality and wholeness. It keeps reminding others that they are mortal and broken, but also that with the recognition of this condition, liberation begins…a Christian community is therefore a healing community not because wounds are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or occasions for a new vision. Mutual confession then becomes a mutual deepening of hope and sharing weakness becomes a reminder to one and all of coming strength…community arises where the sharing of pain takes place, not as a stifling form of self-complaint, but as a recognition of God’s saving promises.” (Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer)
I’m learning how to live this, how to be real with my brokenness, how to “share pain,” how to point to Christ and not myself. I long for this kind of community at InterVarsity – deep, real community that it would not be for the sake of community itself, but community that stirs up deep longing within us for the healing that only God brings. Community that brings us to our knees in humble worship, calling us – together – to cling to the promises of a faithful God! Pray that the Spirit would lead me to lead transparently and with much wisdom, that we would see breakthroughs or vulnerability and rising faith in our fellowship!
