One of my dear friends is dying. Karen is my sister-in-law – my husband’s brother’s wife. She is also an amazing singer/actress who can sell a song that no one would want otherwise. And…she is well-loved.
Karen has Stage 4, aggressive breast cancer. She’s not going to beat it. Today, as I write, she is in hospice, gently cared for and surrounded by so very many who love her so very much. A HUGE audience who has done everything they can to help her and to love her. They have brought food and chocolate and wine. They have sent flowers and cards and Skittles for her nine-year-old son, Jack. They have come and stayed with her and our family. They have sung and laughed and cried.
And they have done what they know how to do best. They have engaged their community – the fine arts family. They have tangibly supported Karen and David and Jack. They set up a donation website. Last Friday they put on a benefit – Everybody’s Girl – with some of the finest talent in Kansas City performing. It was stunning. They have honored her life in ways that most of us could not.
They have given me reason to pause and consider how very much they have exhibited community and family. The community and family to which we as Christians are called. The community and family that churches USED to exhibit. The community and family that I’m afraid the church of today – the church specifically in the US – has forgotten how to be.
Casting Crowns has a wonderful song titled “If We Are the Body“. It asks the hard question about how we, as the body of Christ, treat others. Especially those that don’t fit our idea of Christians, of the saved, of the righteous. How do we treat those who are hurting, full of shame, tired, weak, lonely, down and out. I’m ashamed to say that I’m not “reaching, healing, teaching” in a way that shows who I profess to love and follow and try to become like. A way that shows I belong to the risen Lord Jesus.
Fortunately, in a very sad and painful time, I have been given the gift of an example of community and family. An example of which the Body of Christ – His church – would do well to take notice. An example of which I WILL take notice.
Thank you one and all.
Just Sayin' 