Jumpers & Jesus
I would like to take a moment and brag, if I may, about the amazing church I attend.
Now, before I go much further, I want to admit that our goodness is only because He is good. Our attempts to bear good fruit only succeed because He that is in us is greater! (1 John 4:4) With this in mind, I am actually bragging about God and the good fruit that was sewn through multiple individuals in my local church as they followed His prompting and emulated His character.
It was a fun day. From the road, one could see multiple bright-colored jumpers gently swaying with excitement. The bold splashes of blue and yellow invited on-lookers to join the celebration, to drop the seriousness and revel in childlike joy. There was an ice cream truck serving up swirls of bliss and the fire raging from the BBQ pit wafted aromatic smells that lifted anyone’s countenance. It was the end of summer and while there were a few stray sad feelings, most of us were celebrating the start of the new school season.
In each service, we had giveaways for kids and teased parents about the newfound freedom that was returning after the long summer months. We prayed for a new school year - that God would be present at each school, in each classroom, and with every teacher, student, and staff member. At the end of an otherwise normal service, we dismissed families to the outside set-up of our Back to School Blast.
One would expect to witness deep contentment at an event like this. Families laughing together, fathers chasing their children around, teenagers racing on the obstacle course, and little kids squirting too much ketchup on their hotdogs. There was indeed a great thrill of community and togetherness that occurred that afternoon; however, it looked quite different than one may assume.
With the ironic background of a bright and joyous party, there was a definite heaviness that hung in the air. You see, troubles don’t take a backseat just because there is a party. There is always a backstory, a great need, and a hurting heart. This is the constant tension of living in the midst of the word and. We can be physically present at a party and emotionally falling apart. We can celebrate with our kids and be heartbroken over a friend. We can meet someone else’s needs and have a need of our own.
I was blessed to witness several different storylines that unfolded that afternoon on the church asphalt. Amidst the oversized, inflated jumpers and the barbeque aromas, people’s hearts were spoken to because individuals became the hands and feet of Jesus.
A couple walked in carrying an oversized gift bag that read “baby.” They joyfully handed over the gift to a couple who were hours away from welcoming their first grandchild. While this may seem like a small or even normal action, it is important to note that the couple having the baby does not attend our church. In fact, they do not attend any church. This gift though was for them - an act of love from a family that attends church with their parents. It struck up a wonderful conversation among a group that morning. The soon-to-be grandparents were able to share the requests revolving around their new daughter-in-law and the baby. Others asked about meals and how this couple was being supported and in the middle of an outdoor party, this circle began to pray and lift up the needs that had just been verbalized. Prayer at a party. A new baby lifted up before her first breath. Soon-to-be grandparents celebrated and ministered to. A couple, unknown to most in that circle, covered in a holy anointing.
As her four-year-old was yanking on her arm, a single tear formed on this single mom’s cheek. Yesterday, they buried their pet rabbit. She half-heartedly laughed at how silly she felt about crying over a rabbit but she was worried about her children’s hearts. How does one properly explain death to small ears and sensitive hearts? Big questions had already been asked by tiny lips and this momma was overwhelmed with big emotions and big fears. See, the last time she had to bury a pet she also had to bury a loved one. Past experiences can creep into our current situation and the enemy will use every lie to make us believe that the same horrors will play out this time. As her child broke away from her grip and skipped off toward the joy, this momma was embraced by two other moms. Again, grace was showcased in that embrace and edifying words were prayed over her heartbreak. She was encouraged to hold to biblical truth and not let past experiences drench her in fear.
That same morning, four hours earlier, a 911 call had been made by a loving spouse. Their beloved, who has a heart condition, had a scary complication. In the emergency room, things improved and they were checked out and sent home. Feeling as though there was no better place than the House of God, the family attended the second service despite their long and frightening morning. Of course, none of us knew this at the time. It became apparent in the aftermath of service though that something was not right. Concerned individuals could read the signs and swept into action to provide medical care and emotional support right there in the church lobby. Over the next hour, men and women took turns praying with, encouraging, and sitting with the couple. Through conversations, it was realized that it was actually this couple’s wedding anniversary. Plans were quickly put into action and before they could hesitate or deny the generosity, childcare was provided and dinner reservations were made!
Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for both weeping and laughing, mourning and rejoicing. Sometimes, these happen simultaneously. That particular Sunday, as children shrieked with joy and teenagers competed with fervor, adults gathered for soul care. It was the juxtaposition where we all too frequently reside: the clash between joy and sorrow. The ever-present fact that heartache exists even in the spaces of jubilation. These are hard moments but these moments provide an opportunity for “carrying one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). That Sunday, I had the beautiful privilege of witnessing the body of Christ at work, doing just that - responding to the call of the Gospel to weep when necessary and to rejoice when necessary.
Yes, I am proud of my church, my people. I have routinely watched these faithful friends accept the call to “carry one another’s burdens.” I, myself, have been on the receiving side of such ministry and it is humbling and powerful to watch the community produce such good fruit (Galatians 5:22).
I suppose my question to the reader is this: are you ready and willing to carry someone’s burden? Do you walk with spiritual eyes open, looking out for the needs of others? When given an opportunity, do you mourn with others? Laugh with others? Talk to others?
Often, the simplest way to be like Jesus merely requires you to be present. None of us know the exact words to say or the best way to comfort, but all of us can sit and listen and pray.
As part of your local church, be the member that vehemently accepts the call to “carry burdens.” Often, this is not an overwhelming call; it very well may look like flawed people standing in the joyous chaos of inflatable jumpers with hot dogs in hand who are willing to embrace, encourage, and embody the love of Christ.
Until next time my friend,
I invite you to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or chai and sit with me. If you haven’t yet purchased God’s Big Ask, you can do so here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKHY7KM
