November 17, 2021 Weekly Update
My family and I spent last week visiting family in Indianapolis. One night after enjoying delicious local ice cream, I noticed a wonderful message sprawled in big letters at the top of a shopping center. The message read, “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.” The message didn’t belong to a business or organization. It wasn’t the work of the city. I think the building owner is the one responsible, and I’m sure I’m not the first to notice.
The message stopped me in my tracks and caught me off guard. But I felt it was special and unique. So, I snapped a picture and I’ve been pondering that moment all week.
Why have those three words – YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL – stuck with me? Because they were so encouraging! We are living in a really challenging time as a local community, as a nation, and in our world. Last evening during a “Visioning and Vitality Rural Ministry” course through Iliff School of Thoelogy, I spoke with a pastor from South Africa for 20 minutes about the challenges he’s faced during COVID. Despite being halfway around the world, his challenges are so similar to what we’ve faced in Columbia Falls and the United States. Trust of the government is questioned by many people. Lockdown disrupted business, education, and ministry. People are grieving the loss of family, plans, jobs, and “normal.” And all of us are being asked to adapt and change every few weeks or months. It’s exhausting.
So never discount the ability you have to offer encouragement or loving kindness to those with whom you interact. You might not say, “you are beautiful,” but you could offer other genuine and heartfelt encouragement to remind people they are beautiful and loved in the eyes of God.
Our Care Team is doing just that this week – sending out a little care package and reminder to folks in the work force and in college that we love and appreciate them!
Want to help us make some deliveries? Contact Shirley Folkwein this week.
Blessings,
Pastor Jared