One of the most valuable aspects of being a part of the local church is being a part of a community of believers – a family of faith. This little community on the coast of Georgia has drilled and hugged and prayed that concept into me. And it will always be a deep and most significant part of how I approach the local church. This is one of the reasons why I love The Chapel, our new church home. As I get to know this church, I’me overwhelmed by the people here – they are so embracing and energetic. They are serious about church and serious about their faith. They inspire me.
We’ve been back in Glynn County for about 6 weeks now, but last night was the first time I visited our “old” church on St. Simons Island. They hosted a powerful night of worship. I was overtaken by hugs as soon as I walked in the door. It was like returning home. Wait. It WAS returning home.
By the time the night was coming to a close, I realized that I shouldn’t feel guilty about that lump that swelled in my throat, because it’s not a reflection of our current church family. It’s a reflection of our old church family. I still love them and they still love me. And I should brace myself for the grieving – the letting go – the fact that I won’t see them every Sunday. It’s not the church building or even the worship service or anything like that. It’s the people. It’s the relationships. It’s the family of faith.
I kinda feel like I did when I got married. When I became a part of a “new” family. We all celebrated. But we cried.
And that’s the right way for this to happen:
Thank you for your hugs and prayers. Thank you for encouraging me and for cheering as we fully dive into our new church family that we already love so much. I will miss y’all terribly. But will see you often. I’m just across the causeway…
Mandy,
Thanks for coming out and supporting. I have yet to visit The Chapel, Joy and I had planned to do so when I resigned from my former position a few years ago, and well … things moved fast and we never did. I look forward to an opportunity to do so, though … especially as we collaborate more and bring the Body of Christ together more and more in the Golden Isles!
God bless ya tons!
Mandy,
Your message was inspirational to me as well. It reminds me of when I go back to Ocala and visit with so many of my old church buddies, It certainly is great to have such a great family in Christ.\
Each day we are making memories.
Love and God’s blessing on you and Drew.
Aunt Fay
your comparison to wedding day tears was perfect. and i am so grateful i can be here to see and experience all of this with you. i feel like i understand, at least in part.
Bless you mandy
It was good to see you last night. There’s a neat and different sort of callaboration that can happen when you are not actually in the ” immediate family” but in a different family working together as the whole body. I refer to families as different congregations with one mission.
Thanks for giving me a hug. That was a definite gift from Heaven. More than you know. Blessings.