| A Year for Renewal – 2025 A New Year brings hope and promise of a brighter future. Many people make resolutions for the goals they want to achieve. Last Sunday, Bishop Shon Stewart brought the message in an amazing combined service with Freedom Church. He focused our attention on building character in the gospel way, grounding decisions in the good news. “A dream does not come to life by magic….can’t just talk about it, you need to DO the work”. That may sound similar to the drive people reach for when striving to reach their New Year’s goals, but instead of looking outside yourself for discipline and motivation and gym memberships, Bishop Shon reminds us that it’s already in you! AND that you don’t have to do this alone…in fact we can’t do this alone. “Detachment is not a Christian value”. We are made for connection. When he talks about ‘doing the work’….that’s the work of love. Genuine love… “until you show it, there is no investment. If you can’t bring it, don’t say it.” The only way you can love authentically is to bring your whole authentic self, the deeply flawed and completely perfect person you were created to be. You are stardust, created from the very being of God who is Love itself. Love is the essence of your being. It’s already in you! Start with yourself. Live out loud, have fun, be gentle and compassionate with yourself. Say nice things to yourself. Smile at your reflection in the mirror. And love often means finding it in your heart to forgive, so forgive yourself first, too. Life is tough sometimes and we are all doing the best we can. So give yourself a break. If you tried and failed, pat yourself on the back for trying. Bishop Shon said failure is “just a platform for your future success”. Sometimes we suppress our gifts, our callings, to make others feel more comfortable, because it seems more convenient. Bishop Shon gets up and out there every day because “what’s in me does not allow me to sit on what God has called me to use. If you’re riding with me, we’re riding 100%. And we are not quitters!” Love never ends. Loving humanity means letting this world know that God is still good! Living out the good news and building this gospel character is not a difficult commitment; Jesus tells us “my yoke is easy and my burden light”. After all, it’s already in you! Enjoy your time with God…all time spent with God is a good time. Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks called laughter “carbonated holiness”! Loving others sometimes means simply sharing a smile and laugh. Or a cry…crying can be a good release and an expression of love. Whatever your gifts and talents and passions, God gave them to you for a reason. They are meant to be held inside. The more you share them, the bigger your return. Hope and joy come full circle. May we all join in the chorus: God is good! All the time! And all the time…God is good. “Carry on”!  Rev. Dr. Carol Kiesling RMCC Online Ministry carol@resurrectionmcc.org |
