I have lived through multiple movements of mission and purpose statements over the years. I have both been an observer and a participant in groups and committees that toiled to fashion a foundational statement that would guide an organization or business toward meeting its stated goals. In some cases, the toil was fruitful. In others, well...not so much.
As a Christian, pastor, father...so many labels...I most often turn to the Christian scriptures to find guidance in such things. The same is true, today, as I begin this blog-journal. It just so happens, this particular passage was the "verse of the day" that is delivered to my inbox every morning from YouVersion.
So, here we go. Our CREED.
In a recent e-mail update, Sharon McMahon, political commentator and educator, seeks to give some light and hope to those who are frustrated by the current state of discourse within our society and culture. She makes a few observations that apply here:
"We all have important work."
From the halls of power, to the halls of schools, to the halls of our faith communities, to the halls of our homes...every one of us have important work to do. There are so many shapes to this work, we will not take the time to enumerate them, here. Suffice it to say, when we awaken each morning we have purpose and must conduct ourselves with an initiative and passion that carries us forward into the "important" work to be done.
"There are people and forces that will try to distract you...and if that is not successful, they will try to empty your work of its joy." (That's actually a paraphrase, rather than a direct quote)
There are "trolls" who enter our world from behind a keyboard who will attempt to eviscerate (is that overly dramatic?) us with their constant criticism and hateful speech. Every medium created by humanity seems to be dominated by those who make it their business to steal the joy, kill the messenger, and destroy the reputation of the one they have labeled their "enemy."
Sharon's encouraged response: "I refuse to let you steal my joy."
She observes that those who oppose will not be pleased or give up, because they long for you to be "demoralized, downtrodden, anxious, and depressed."
Now consider our creed.
In the face of suffering, joy.
The productive journey of longsuffering joy, endurance and character.
The ultimate result, not disappointment that leaves us demoralized, downtrodden, and depressed, but hope that is rooted in love, poured into us through the present Holy Spirit who was gifted to us by God the Father.
I encourage you to post this creed on your mirror...on your fridge...on your computer monitor...as a wallpaper on your cell phone...wherever you will see it and be reminded daily of the enduring power of the presence of an almighty God who loves you, saying, "You matter to me. Your work matters to me. Keep it up."
...and when the "trolls" appear to be winning the day and your getting weary, stand on the creed. Take a nap. Have a snack. Take a walk. BUT DO NOT QUIT. Remain undeterred.
Yes, and amen.