A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR

I remembering watching ABC Wide World of Sports on television every Saturday afternoon as a boy.  The beginning of the telecast showed sports figures that had experienced the “thrill of victory” and the “agony of defeat.”  Many sports were highlighted including race car driving, horseracing, motorcycle racing, and bobsledding.  The one sport I remember exemplifying the “agony of defeat” was ski jumping.  Do you remember?  As the announcer was saying, “…and the agony of defeat”, it showed a ski jumper plummeting off the ramp into the crowd below.  They say he survived and walked away from that tumble.  I could not understand how.  The only protection equipment he seemed to be wearing was his crash helmet.  All the rest of his body seemed vulnerable to injury.

Ash Wednesday is March 5 and Beginning of Lenten Season

Ash Wednesday is March 5, and it marks the beginning of the Lenten season.  It is a season of solemn reflection and spiritual discovery.  Our lives, if we are willing to allow, are laid open for examination by the Great Physician.  As we make this journey to Jerusalem to encounter once more the Good Friday event of Jesus’ death, I would like us to consider one question:  “What will you do with that day in history?”

Sometimes our lives are lived as if we are in the middle of a storm of such magnitude that no word of comfort or expression of kindness can be consoling.  The season of Lent can help us redefine our personhood and move us beyond our failures and futilities to a life of hope and peace.

It will not be easy

But it will not be easy.  I do not want you to believe this journey will be easy.  It was not easy for Jesus who moved intently toward his death in Jerusalem.  If your intention is to experience a “radical renovation” of your life, I cannot promise you it will be easy.  Sometimes when a renovation is needed, it means something must be torn down or ripped out.  I can only tell you to get your crash helmet ready.

Are you ready for a radical renovation?

When athletes realize the thrill of victory, it usually comes after they have experienced countless agonies of defeat.  Losses, storms, heartaches, trials and other setbacks are part of the history.  Until one day the victory is won, and all the sacrifice becomes valued.  Are you ready for a radical renovation?

Blessings,

James Haskins
Pastor