Mac and Cheese

David Getting Owned By His Macaroni and Cheese

Topics We Avoid: Religion

I was never one to talk much about religion. Religion was a private thing that happened on Sunday mornings between 10:30 and 11:30. We had a professional to talk about Jesus and being good and the forgiveness of sins when we weren’t so good. He was an older man who wore a funny robe. He was well educated, kind, and a little aloof. And he loved to talk. But for the rest of us—religion was personal and private.

One hundred and fifty miles to the southwest and a world away—people talked a little more about religion. But not much. We were all 18 to 22 year old kids trying to figure out what we believed and didn’t believe. Scholars tried to get us talking. I remember an astronomy professor telling us that some kind of god had to exist and a religion professor telling us there was no way a god existed. But us students—the atheists, the Jews, the Catholics, the Protestants, the Muslims, the agnostics, the ambivalent, and those who just didn’t really care—were mostly mindful that talks about religion were best kept as polite and infrequent.

And then one day a girl invited me to church. It was a different kind of talk. Not about who was right and who was wrong. Not about believing four things and going to heaven or at least staying out of hell. Not condescending, but compassionate. Not alienating, but authentic. She simply told me she loved to go to this church, she always got a lot out of it, and she invited me to join her. I took her up on the offer am beyond grateful that somebody talked to me about religion.

I remember when Benjamin was born. Telling others was as natural as it gets. I told others with excitement: my siblings, my co-workers at the church, the woman in the gift shop, and the stranger on the elevator. It was good news!

Jesus invites us to talk about religion. To share our faith. To invite others to experience the Gospel, the Good News, in natural, loving, authentic, and compassionate ways. 

Some of my favorite stories at The Water’s Edge are stories of how our people have invited their friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and classmates to worship, serve, and grow with us. God is changing lives, new friendships are being formed, and people are being served because people are inviting: talking about religion in the best possible way. 

This summer, I want to encourage you to invite somebody to worship, serve, and grow with us. Think of a friend, family, co-worker, neighbor, or classmate who doesn’t have a church. Pray for them. Invite them to worship with us on a Sunday morning, join your small group, or even join us as we serve our community. The worst they can do is say, “No thanks.” And who knows, you may be part of somebody’s testimony! 

The best is yet to come… 

Craig

Last Day of School

David and Lacy

Timeline: Status Updates

Here is this week's WE Grow Guide to supplement the message.

My Boys

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day means different things to different people. It usually falls around the time of graduation and the ending of school. For some it is the beginning of summer. Picnics, BBQs, family reunions, and sporting events are all associated with Memorial Day. For some it is simply a welcomed day off from work.

For others Memorial Day is a sacred time. Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates United States men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. 

A few years ago I visited two parents who lost their son in Afghanistan. The son was like a little brother to me—he was a youth in a church I served. We laughed about days past. I told them stories about their son and listened to many of theirs. We ate burgers and mashed potatoes together. They shared dreams that would never be fulfilled. Hopes that would never be realized. Even though the son died a few years prior to my visit, it was like the pain was as deep and real for them as if I was the person who was breaking the news to them for the very first time. 

Then she looked at me with a tear flowing down her cheek like a sprinkle of rain dripping down a rock. I’ll never forget what she said: “One thing we are learning is that God knows what it’s like to lose a son for the freedom of many. In our darkest moments, He has always been our shining light.” 

Freedom isn’t free. Attorneys don’t provide freedom of speech. Soldiers do. Preachers don’t give freedom of religion. Military families do. We are grateful for soldiers, sailors, and their families. 

As Americans we are blessed with political, economic, and religious freedom as no other group of people in the history of the world has ever been blessed before. This did not come without a high price. Many of us have known somebody who has lost their life defending the things that make the United States so great. As Christians we are blessed with spiritual freedom as well. Things like hope, forgiveness, and grace give us both an abundant and eternal life. This did not come without a high price either. Jesus lost his life so we can experience a full life that will last forever. 

To all those who have served, who are serving, and their families—thank you!

Craig

Vlog for Graduates and Others Experiencing Transition in Life