Staying Connected: Marjorie Blanton
I'm not adjusting well, Church.
The honest truth is that I have been much more angry with everything shutting down than fearful for my health. I've wanted to push the limits about seeing people in small groups and going outside, clinging to staying active as long as I possibly can. Don't worry—many people have humbled me with reminders that people are losing their loved ones and my actions matter and affect others.
I finally agreed to stay home and be still. I'm wrestling with why slowing down bothers me so much. Yes, I miss my people, but more than that I love work and I love having purpose, and I worry what my identity will be if I don't have either.
Finding meaning in my job and getting involved with volunteer ministry have been an enormous part of my growth as a follower of Jesus. They took me from a person who grew up in the culture to a person who longed to know God and be a part of the good, helpful, and reconciling work of His Kingdom. I'm so grateful that He created us for work, that work is a way we get to image God.
Two things have given me some peace as quarantine settles in and work slips away:
We still have purpose, but it will (temporarily) look different.
One of the largest disappointments so far was the canceling of Night to Shine Prom, a free and fun-packed evening for people with disabilities. A community team pulls together to put it on every year because we believe that God's image is in every individual of the population, and that includes people with disabilities. We also believe that their lives are full of value, and that they deserve to be seen and celebrated. Don't I believe that they have purpose despite any physical or intellectual limitations they may have? Shouldn't I have hope that God's purpose for my life doesn't stop when temporary limitations are put on me?
We are still being transformed to be more and more like Jesus.
I've attended more funerals this past year than I have had to in the past. I remember praying for friends after they lost people close to them—that they would feel Jesus' presence with them and they would become more like Him even through the terrible suffering of grief. Does Jesus promise to only be with us on certain days or always? Shouldn't I have hope that He is accomplishing work in and through us even during this temporary grief?
Feel free to check in and make sure I'm following quarantine rules. I would love to hear what you are learning about God and yourself during this crazy time.
During this time when we can't be in the same physical space, it's important that we make an intentional effort to stay connected in other ways. We would love for you to write a blog post or record a brief video or audio update sharing what this strange time is like for you and how you are seeking (and seeing!) Jesus in the midst of it. We hope to share these posts via this email newsletter, our website, and our social media channels.
If you have something you'd like to share, email it to Val (val@citychurchrva.com) or contact her with ideas, suggestions, or questions.