Elders in the Faith

By Belinda

This morning a note that I wrote at some point in my copy of the  Daily Light for August 10, reminds me that it is the feast day of St. Lawrence, and that Martha, a woman who impacted many lives,and who lies in the graveyard of St. Laurence Church in Alvechurch, was born on this day in 1817.

On my first day home in Canada, it is special to be connected with Alvechurch in this small way--like a final wave from an old friend.

Today's Daily Light has verses that could describe Martha; this dear lady, who, like another dear woman;Trudy Cluderay; still living in Alvechurch; shone for God in her quiet way and influenced a community for good.
Blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15—“You are the salt of the earth, . . . the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:13, 14, 16
As the news is filled with updates on the lawlessness and rioting in major cities in England, it makes me ponder "eldership," particularly the potential a whole generation of ageing Baby Boomers have, in their families and circles of influence. If we know Christ, we have something that so many in this world need badly--they just don't have any idea of who he is and the difference he makes in a life. We may not be preachers or eloquent in sharing what we know, but God can use us if we simply ask him to and then just live out what he taught; through the power of the Holy Spirit; available to speak a word for him as he leads.

Comments

Violet N. said…
So glad that you're back home and out of harm's way. I can't imagine being one of the 'responsible' generation after all this ends. But as someone who lives near the site of another riot, I know we Canadians are just as vulnerable to such behaviour as people anywhere.
9:33 PM
Belinda said…
Thank you Violet, it's always a lovely surprise to hear from you!

Yes, those seeds of violence live in all of us but praise God, Jesus came to give us a new life in him. He is the hope of the world.
7:37 AM
Marilyn said…
"...like a final wave from an old friend..." Wonderful analogy!

"...a woman who in her quiet way influenced her community....."....such a challenge for those of us who are "elders" never to retire from touching out world where we are. Thank you for this.
8:16 AM
Lynn said…
I enjoyed reading about your trip. It was like a breath of fresh air to me and made me reflect on quieter times and wonderful people no longer here.
Glad I found your blog. I found it looking up "yieldedness" on the internet:-)

God Bless You
12:54 PM
Belinda said…
Dear Marilyn,
Amen to what you wrote. I really want to understand more fully what it means to take on that responsibility of eldership. Such an important role.
6:26 PM
Belinda said…
Dear Lynn,
Sorry to take so long to acknowledge your comment. It is so nice to meet you and it was humbling to hear how you found this place.

I'm glad the posts stirred up good things in your memories. Praise God!
11:17 PM
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