Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go home. Home for me is a place that brings back many memories; some good, some bad. I hadn't been home in a couple months so I was truly looking forward to seeing all of the changes. My parent's house has been under reconstruction, so seeing all of the new things was exciting. I have missed seeing my little sister, who is now grown up and enjoying life. I was looking forward to visiting with my parent's as well, because over the past year our relationship has been strained, but we seem to be putting things back together.
I was really traveling home to preach at the church I grew up in. The church was celebrating homecoming and their 160th anniversary. The pastor contacted me several months back and asked if I would be willing to preach at the 11am worship service. I told him that I would like to have a chance to pray about it, considering that I would be the first woman to preach from that pulpit and really have it called preaching. As I prayed about it I began to feel God place a message upon my heart. I called the pastor and let him know that I would be glad to preach for homecoming. He was very excited.
As I prepared for the day, I became more and more nervous. This was not my first time preaching, but I would be preaching in front of many people who know me very well. I think that preaching at "home" is the hardest kind of preaching. Sunday came and I arrived at the church at about 10:20. There were many people who haven't seen me in a long time that came up to speak. I had a chance to speak to the pastor and it was great. As I sat in my pew waiting for the time to preach, my legs began to shake. Finally, it was my turn. I led the church in prayer and then shared what was on my heart. As I was preaching, I began to hear the Amens and the bless yous coming from a group of visiting African American ladies. As they affirmed me, my nervous feelings subsided and God spoke through me. When I was finished, I left the pulpit feeling pleased and thankful that all had gone well.
Having that opportunity to make history was awesome. I am thankful for those ladies (my angels) offering the Amen's that so easily calmed my nerves. It made me think of my second home, Campbell Divinity School and the multiple affirmations shared there in chapel.
Thanks be to God that all went well.
1 comment:
Isn't it amazing how God works. Who better to relieve the strain of families and the strain of nervousness than God? Sara, like many persons called by God, realize that if God calls, God will provide the tools needed for his ministry. Tiny steps lead to great journeys. I pray that through you Sara, your home church is on the path of a great journey. Knowing what you know now, would you change anything? Blessings
Post a Comment