Reflections for august 16

What comes to your mind when you hear the word gentleness? It can be an expression of care and speaking love to others. It is not a sign of weakness. It is about being present with others. Nurses show care and friends offer a compassionate hug to someone in pain. Gentleness invites joy. The words of the song “What Does the Lord Require of You” were – “Seek justice and love, kindness, and walk humbly with God”. Take a breath and be calm. Jesus healed a lady that was bent over and couldn’t look up. Jesus chose to see her. She had lived like this for years. Yet, Jesus saw her heart and called her a daughter of Abraham. Jesus went against social norms where men didn’t talk to women in public. He gently healed this woman. Last week, we had Megan Benjamin, who grew up in this church, preach about gentleness. She gave a great example of how Liz Virkler, our Worship, Music, and Arts Ministry Director, visited her in the hospital. Megan was in and out of the hospital for six months. She appreciated the visits by Liz, and said she received gentle and compassionate hugs from her. I know other people in this church who have had visits in the hospital or at home when they were ill who have so appreciated these visits by our church staff or members. They are calmed to know God is with them. Our life can get busy and overwhelming. However, we can take time off to be gentle and share our love with others. It is uplifting to us and others to get this care. God loves us, and we can share that love with others. Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.