When this whole pandemic thing started, I had driven passed a church that had a pray banner out. I thought that the idea of a banner for our church to put out was a good idea. So, this went up several weeks ago. It is one of my favorite Bible verses. It always reminds me how much God loves us and is there for us and has been a mantra of sorts to me in times of trouble. This scripture verse also makes for a wonderful Breather Prayer. If you have never tried a Breather Prayer, it goes like this. You breathe in thinking of a short phrase and breathe out thinking a short phrase, such as thinking nothing can separate me while breathing in and thinking from the love of God while breathing out. Breath prayers can have a calming effect on my soul.
The banner has been well received by many people and our own Lindsey Goodyear who attends our Messy church worship wrote about it in her blog for Messy Church USA.
“We’ve been lucky that the church we attend is in the same neighborhood that we live. My kids both went to preschool there, it’s the home of our Messy Church, and it’s both my boys’ absolute favorite parking lot to ride bikes in once the service crowds have dispersed. I was nearing the end of my morning walk, one Friday, when I looked up and something struck me. I was right in front of this church that I knew inside and out, yet, something was different. I always acknowledge the banner that hangs in front of Community United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach as it is changed from week to week to display different Bible verses. This week’s stopped me dead in my tracks. Romans 8:38-39 says, “Remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God.” Wow. In a time where all I felt was separation, I ignored the fact that I hadn’t been alone. Not even once. I was so wrapped up and consumed by the fact that I couldn’t see and make my normal connections with everyday citizens that I missed the fact that I had a direct line to a connection anytime I wanted. It was just the reminder I needed to refocus and look at our situation with fresh eyes.
That verse did its job, and some anxiety was relieved. I’m still a little anxious about what’s to come but, I’m definitely more aware. God got my attention, once again, with His incredibly comforting words. Although we are separated from each other right now, we will never be separated from God. With the confidence of His words backing me, I’ve noticed things are starting to fall a little more into place. Zoom has made it possible for our incredible teachers to do distance learning and both my kids are reacting favorably to their new school schedules. When we go out on walks or bike rides, there are others out, now, as well. They may be wearing masks or cross the streets to keep a safe distance, but they’re there. Our Messy Church held their very first meeting through Zoom. It was great to see faces of the “Messy” families that attend our church and to be able to catch up (it may be our new normal for the next few months). Last but not least, the cooking. Grocery stores have started to have more stock and my cooking has gone back to normal. It takes a little more planning on my part so that I only go once a week, but things are looking up. As I left the store the other day, I acknowledged a fellow shopper whose eyebrows lifted, cheekbones raised, and eyes sparkled. I knew it instantly…there was a smile for me underneath that mask.”
You never know where you will hear God speaking to you or what hope you can bring to other people. Remember to be the hope and know that nothing can separate us from God love.
Grace & Peace, Suzanne