Walking Modestly...

I was recently at a continuing education event where Dr. Paul Escamilla shared with us a few thoughts about his book, "Longing for Enough in a Culture of More." He shared with us that he had encountered a cross-stitched wall hanging in a synagogue in Dallas that quoted Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O Mortal, what the Lord requires: to do justly, to love kindly, and to walk modestly with your God."

At first glance, one might think that the word modestly is out of place, or is incorrect. We know that last segment to read something like, "and walk humbly with your God." Humbly we get. We understand that. It's core essence is in our humility - especially when we tred next to the Almighty. Who are we that we might walk with the Creator? But modestly? Where and how does that fit in?

Escamilla shared with us that in its original context, modestly and humbly are interchangeable in the original Hebrew. In fact, the subtle differences of humble and modest are so slight, one might not notice at all. But take note. When we think of modesty, what are we implying? "My daughter ought to dress more modestly when she goes out with her friends," we might think. Or "he should be more modest when he flashes his wealth around." It almost connotes a conscious decision to live in a certain way. Humility admits to being simpler. Modesty decides to living so.

So, what was Micah suggesting? In our world that is so filled with the urges and pushes to acquire more and more and more, modesty asks us to stop, step back, and see what it is that we already have - the abundance of life given to us by God. And we are asked to ponder, "how am I living in grace with what I have?" "How can I live more faithfully, more nobly, more modestly with what I have been given?"

John Wesley determined early in his ministry just how much of his salary he absolutely needed to live on. He promptly determined to give away whatever was left over. By the time of his death, Wesley had managed to keep fairly close to that same amount of money to live on, even though the salary he was earning was many times that amount. Still, he lived on what he NEEDED, and gave the rest away. His rationale was simple: live on only what one needs. The rest would be wasted on the self - it is holier to give it away to those who should need it.

How modest are you? How modestly do you walk with God?

See you in Church!

Grace and peace,
Brad

For Helen Backlund....

We received word yesterday evening that our dear friend, and church organist, Helen Backlund died suddenly and unexpectedly. Her death came as a tremendous shock to all of us, and the news is still filtering through our congregation.

Such a tragedy is difficult to fathom. The loss of one so close to us all leaves us with a gaping hole, and the grief hits much too close to home. Helen's gift of music was not only spectacular, it was only overshadowed by her beautiful smile, warm laughter, and gracious spirit. Many's the time when I would be sitting in my pew in the chancel in front of the organ during the prelude or offertory piece that Helen would be playing, and I would find myself mesmerized by her melodic skills and the spiritual blessing of the music. I know I was not the only one.

Helen was the first to ask me after I arrived to take part in the annual Pilot's Club musical last fall. She coached me on the music we'd be singing, remind me of the tunes and melodies, and guide me in the pronunciation of the words. Her knowledge of music was a gift from God, but her spirit was a blessing to us all.

Not long ago, I had the privilege of just chatting with her about her past, her musical tastes, and what we had in common with piano. It was a delightful conversation, and I came away amazed at this beautiful woman whose love for the piano and organ is only overshadowed by her love for her Lord.

Saying goodbye to friends is never an easy task. It is only made more difficult when that opportunity is never offered due to tragic circumstance. The loss is difficult to bear, but the joy of knowing someone - through God's grace only - always seems to somehow outweigh the pain and grief. Certainly our prayers are with Helen's husband, Jack, and with her family and friends. And we will surely miss her.

Thank you, Helen. Somewhere, I have the feeling that you are raising the roof with a pipe organ, pulling out all the stops, and playing for your Lord. God Bless You, Helen. Thank you.

Grace and peace,
Brad