Happy Monday, Friends!
I’m continuing my series using the Nicene Creed as a prompt for my reflection. The next part of the creed says: “On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God.”
Having just recounted the death of Jesus, this part of the creed is about hope. The philosopher and composer, Gabriel Fynsk, observes that Christianity is unique among religions because “it begins from the death of its God.” Though Jesus’ death is a pivotal moment in the Christian story and salvation history, Christianity does not begin in death, it begins in resurrection. Christianity is rooted in the truth that God can do so much that God can even conquer death, that even a grave with a huge stone rolled in front of it could not contain Jesus.
Last week was a rough week for LOVEboldly including difficult conversations and tough decisions to ensure the survival of our organization. As a community dedicated to creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in the church, we want focus on vision, programming, and developing resources, but as an operating nonprofit we also must monitor our funding. It would be easy to think that this might be the end of LOVEboldly. But God has kept LOVEboldly going through times of prosperity and times of need for over ten years already. God brought me to LOVEboldly even though I had never heard of the organization before and God has propelled us the last four months to build significant momentum. I cannot, I do not believe God is done with LOVEboldly now. There is hope for LOVEboldly and there is hope for LGBTQIA+ Christians, even those Christians who are living through the darkest times wrestling with gender, sexuality, and faith.
Where do you need hope this week? Where are you looking for hope this week?
Let us pray: God who died and God who rose again, bless us with the sense of hope which conquers whatever hardship or trouble we might be experiencing today. Give us the strength to persevere through the difficult times and the grace to rejoice in the better times. Bless and bring to LOVEboldly a never-failing succession of benefactors. In your many names we pray, Amen.
Blessings, friends, on your week! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Faithfully,
Ben
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