The most iconic, popular, and, perhaps, misunderstood song was written in 1974. No matter the version you have downloaded by Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton, the song, “I Will Always Love You”, is a song of forgiveness and letting go. The song was Dolly’s way of expressing to Porter Waggoner that it was time for her to embark on her solo career.
It appears that forgiveness is in short supply in today’s world. Sadly, the popular motto is, “If you disagree with me, you must be the enemy.” Healthy, respectful, and Christian dialogue has too often gone by the wayside. It seems we have forgotten that second commandment that Christ himself gave us in Matthew 22:39, “A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It grieves my soul and heart what is taking place within the United Methodist Church. I have spent hours and hours in prayer. I have even found myself and permitted myself to grieve and weep. I know that in and through my grieving, I will choose to live.
I have been part of the United Methodist Church all my life. My earliest memories of the church began at St. Matthew’s UMC in Lubbock. Our family would soon attend a new neighborhood church, Agape UMC in Lubbock. I even remember riding my bike to Agape to attend activities. Both sets of my grandparents attended United Methodist Churches in their communities of Jayton, and Aspermont.
In 1979, FUMC Aspermont would become my home church. A place where I always felt loved and accepted. This would be the church I made a profession of faith and was baptized. FUMC Aspermont would be a safe place for me to explore and ask questions about faith and a calling. Within this congregation, I would answer a call to full-time ministry. The United Methodist Church would invest in me so that I could attend Duke Divinity School and would support me throughout the ordination process. I have been privileged to serve in Hart, Abilene, Rule, Haskell, Vernon, and Midland within the United Methodist Church. For nearly 23 years, the United Methodist Church, provided housing, health insurance, and salary to support me and my family. The United Methodist Church prayed for my family as we journeyed to China to adopt our oldest daughter and celebrated with us as we welcomed our miracle baby into the world. The United Methodist Church provided much-needed prayers that sustained me and my family during times of sorrow, uncertainty, and struggle. I am so much better and have a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace because of how the United Methodist Church witnessed the love of Christ to me.
For these reasons and more, I will remain United Methodist. Though I have not always agreed with my denomination at times, I will not abandon the denomination I have spent my life or the covenant I made at my ordination. It seems that my denomination, its leaders, members, and clergy are at a crossroads. One dolly-ism comes to mind, “if a bird and fish fall in love, where will they make a home?” No matter the decision or the path, we continue to have this in common, John Wesley’s General Rules: “Do No Harm, Do Good, and Attend Upon the Ordinances of God.” Let us strive daily to live these rules in our lives and churches. May we allow each other time and space to grieve, so that we can live no matter which path is taken? Let us hold in mind, that many have spent their entire life within a specific church. Many have raised children, gone through confirmation, and received the Sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion. Many have held weddings, and funerals of people they cherish. These are not easy decisions.
I fully recognize that many of my colleagues and even congregations I served, might take another path. In the words of the great theologian of Tennessee, “I hope life will treat you kind. I hope that you have all that you ever dreamed of. I do wish you joy and happiness, but above all of this, I wish you love.” During this season of uncertainty, rather than focusing on being right, may we be laser-focused on being in right relationship: right relationship with God and above all, right relationship with each other.
May our prayer be, “Lord, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” In doing so, let us continue to be Christ-focused. Our community and world continue to be in desperate need of hearing and experiencing God’s grace, love, and hope.
Finally, I will be happy to answer any questions after I return from my sabbatical on September 1, 2022.
Always Remember, and never forget……GOD LOVES YOU!!!!
Best of All, God is with Us
Pastor Tom
Long Talk…. 