Thoughts on Freedom

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

I am so  grateful for the calls and emails I am receiving with the news that indeed, things are improving in many communities.   If your community is still struggling, please take heart.  Things will ease.  Please remember I am available to resume worship  services, a Bible study, or a faith conversation via Zoom when you are ready.  Just let me know, and we can schedule.   My second vaccination is scheduled for March 24.  I certainly look forward to that process being completed! 

Please continue to hold SpiritCare in your prayers.  This past year has played havoc with our budget.   If your community can support us in some way, do let us know.  Thank you for all the ways you have supported the ministry through the years.   
  
Scripture     
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."    2 Corinthians 3:17   

Meditation  
The Apostle Paul mentions freedom several times in his letters, and I always find his encouragement to live into our freedom inspiring.  Part of the reason for my admiration is that Paul spent a lot of time writing from prison.  Yet, his heart was free.  At the beginning of the pandemic, I read a biography of Gandhi, who also spent much time in prison.  Yet, in his heart and mind, like Paul, he knew only freedom.  Gandhi was not Christian, but a devout Hindu who knew  freedom because of his deep love of the  Lord as revealed to him through the Bhagavad Gita.  That is where he found  the conviction to lead his nation to freedom without violence.  It is a compelling, inspiring story.   ​ 

Those of you who have taken part in my worship services have heard me say that wherever we are,  God is there.  Nowhere can we go that God will not go with us.  Therefore, the freedom to love is always with us.  We cannot be separated from God's love, no matter what mistakes we make.  Love frees us.  Hate, worry, and distraction do not.  We are always free to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  That love is meant to  be shared freely.   This is what Jesus asks of us.  

Let us say yes to that commandment and know that our love can never be contained.  Love is of Spirit and cannot be boxed or shelved for a later time.  Love lives.  Blessed be.   
   
Prayer 
Holy One, help us to drop the shackles of fear and disbelief.  Help us to accept the love  that you are always offering us.  Fill us, Holy One, and help us to share that abundant love with all.  We know this is our call.  May we respond with open hearts.   
In Christ we gratefully pray,  Amen     
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com