"On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge our dependence." -
William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan
Yesterday was our first official Sunday at Bentonville Church of the Nazarene. Rusty and I attended both services so that Pastor Mark could introduce us and afterward, we had a huge potluck with BNC and the congregation of the hispanic church who share our facilities. Before the message, there was a Thanksgiving video with quotes and images, many of which were moving, but the one above really caught my attention.
Dependence is something I've thought a lot about over the past couple of years, and I'm thankful for a couple of girlfriends who've really engaged with and challenged me in this area. As a culture, we're taught to believe that independence is the key to a successful and happy life. If we work hard enough for long enough, we should be all that we ever need, and need is seen as failure. But as a Christian, I am compelled by the truth that we are all broken, hurting and needy in some way and that we not only desperately need each other but were made to live in community.
Last year was a crash course in dependence for Rusty and I. As immigrants who never could quite make things work in our new home, we were dependent upon God and others for just about all of our needs. And when practicality and a strong sense of calling led us to leave that new home, we were even more aware of our dependence as we offered ourselves to the Lord to send us wherever He may.
This week, I have been overwhelmed by the fact that just a year ago, we didn't know how we were going to pay rent or buy food. We were on our knees daily, and we learned the hard way to trust God and rely on others to have even our most basic needs met. It was incredibly humbling. So this year, we find ourselves in a very different position, and it could be very tempting to believe the world's lie that we achieved this on our own, that we can meet all of our own needs, and that dependence is no longer necessary for us. But the image above is just one reminder otherwise. It's a picture of the table full of gifts our new church family brought yesterday to fill our pantry. We have been so moved this week by the church's warm welcome to us, and I know that even more than their gifts (which are a huge help and have been put to immediate use!), we truly need them. We are a people made for dependence, and not only do I acknowledge and confess it, I embrace and give thanks for it.
Dependence is something I've thought a lot about over the past couple of years, and I'm thankful for a couple of girlfriends who've really engaged with and challenged me in this area. As a culture, we're taught to believe that independence is the key to a successful and happy life. If we work hard enough for long enough, we should be all that we ever need, and need is seen as failure. But as a Christian, I am compelled by the truth that we are all broken, hurting and needy in some way and that we not only desperately need each other but were made to live in community.
Last year was a crash course in dependence for Rusty and I. As immigrants who never could quite make things work in our new home, we were dependent upon God and others for just about all of our needs. And when practicality and a strong sense of calling led us to leave that new home, we were even more aware of our dependence as we offered ourselves to the Lord to send us wherever He may.
This week, I have been overwhelmed by the fact that just a year ago, we didn't know how we were going to pay rent or buy food. We were on our knees daily, and we learned the hard way to trust God and rely on others to have even our most basic needs met. It was incredibly humbling. So this year, we find ourselves in a very different position, and it could be very tempting to believe the world's lie that we achieved this on our own, that we can meet all of our own needs, and that dependence is no longer necessary for us. But the image above is just one reminder otherwise. It's a picture of the table full of gifts our new church family brought yesterday to fill our pantry. We have been so moved this week by the church's warm welcome to us, and I know that even more than their gifts (which are a huge help and have been put to immediate use!), we truly need them. We are a people made for dependence, and not only do I acknowledge and confess it, I embrace and give thanks for it.
3 comments:
Thanks for this AWESOME post, Lauren.
p.s. um, girl, get yo'self to seminary!
Amen. I have been reliving those experiences and the lessons we learned a lot recently.
At church on Sunday the pastor made the comment, there is not real growth without some growing pains. I think we all could use some bruised knees because we're spending the time with God - I completely am with you reflecting on this last year and how much more I realized I need Him to be my Provider!
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