Category: DOC Thoughts
Understanding a sigh
Jesus sighed . . .
In Christian tradition, that bit of scripture doesn’t get as much attention or repetition as, “Jesus wept.”
When a parent would sigh it was both a stall tactic for their own well being as well as the audible cue that my behavior or language was found lacking. It acknowledged that they knew that I knew better. It was an expression of both disappointment and motivation that didn’t always mean I was in trouble, but often preceded penance before grace.
A sigh needs context. I think of Bullwinkle’s pal Rocky exclaiming, “Again?” One might sigh to express exhaustion, melancholy, grief, relief, or frustration. And sometimes, a sigh is an expression of awe or wonder. “Look, they got it.” or “I’m proud.” I heard that sigh from my parents: when I stood up to the bully, demonstrated better sportsmanship in high school, did the ethical hard thing, at graduations, at my ordination, and our wedding.
For some it is hard to imagine Jesus as a frustrated leader of disciples that are always looking for him to do most of the work. A Jesus who might experience being “put out” or at his “wits end.” Many only imagine the positive sighing Jesus. But, as I look around our culture and the world right now, it is easy for me to imagine Jesus sighing “at” and “about” the people who claim to follow him in the 21st century. As a collective we are earning that frustrated sigh and eye roll even as individuals we are doing our best to live faith.
As I think about what is happening with the climate it seems like nature (creation) is sighing. Wildfires. Floods. Earthquakes. Extreme temperatures in all four seasons. Tornados where they don’t usually happen. Stronger hurricanes and a longer hurricane season. Rain on the peak of Greenland’s ice sheet. Covid-19 and other diseases, known and once thought defeated, and those yet known. Rising oceans and desalination of the oceans. Drought. Creation strikes back. What’s the penance?
I’m an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and serve in youth ministry in our Region. Our Regional Youth Council met in August via Zoom. It is not what we wanted to do, but it was the responsible decision given Covid’s rising transmission rate in Oklahoma. It is what intentional Christian community requires of us: to think of the other. You know, “neighbor as yourself” and “golden rule” stuff. We spent some time thinking about and talking about these two questions:
- What do you think is the single, most important, life giving characteristic of your church (local and universal)?
- When the church (local and universal) is at its best, what is it doing?
How would you answer those?
RYC members talked of generosity, being a helping hand, and welcoming people. They imagined how we can be better at grace, are non-judgmental and hospitable. My summary of their thoughts: “We are a church that gives without expectation of receiving.” An aside: Is that an evangelism strategy?
Right there in Mark 7, Jesus sighed . . . and said, “be opened.” Just moments before, a woman shamed Jesus to help her daughter. Even Jesus needed a remedial lesson. Be opened. It’s a risk, but who knows what you might see, hear, say, or do when you follow Jesus’ example of living and interacting with people here in the 21st century. That’s hard to do. It has always been hard.
I can hear Jesus sigh . . . at me.
Appreciated Reverence
During October many Christians pause to offer words of thanks and appreciation for their minister(s). You may not know it, but this is a fraught-filled and fruit-full time to be serving in ministry. As I age and mature a bit, my reverence has appreciated for those I hold in esteem. No list of persons, significant relationships, or conversations is ever complete. The persons in this post have contributed to my journey in faith and continued service in Ordained Christian Ministry. Given that the Internet has become a tool for identity theft and can be a weapon, I won’t use full names here.
In active ministry or retired states, many serve Christendom or the rainbow of God in the 21st century. Some suffer what I call, “true believer syndrome” which helps balance my cynicism. These ministers of the gospel are both friends and colleagues helping me evolve. Their commitment, wisdom, example, and tolerance keep me challenged and grounded. Hat tip: BSD, Randy K, Nancy P, Jerry J, Charlotte N, Mike G, Terry E, Susan D, Alan H, Rick L, and Pam H.
Being the spouse of a minister isn’t easy. I do my best each day as does my companion, Rev. Dr. Lisa D, as we have navigated our vocational calls to serve. Being a clergy couple isn’t easy. She helps me be a better person, and minister every day.
I’ve never been one to maintain an institution for the sake of its existence, but there are ideals, processes, and character traits of institutions that require maintenance and upgrades to remain relevant in society. These persons helped, or help me, think deeply about the Church (universal) and church (denominational/local) as I represent the institution and represent God in middle judicatory ministry, gate keeping, intentional Christian community, and programmatic Christian education. Hat tip: Tommy P, Bob, S, John C, Don P, Guy W, Jan E, Lon O, Ike N, Jim B, Julie R, Adam F, Steve M, Lara B-P, Shannon C, Tara D, Eula H, Lee Y, Tom S, Olivia B-U, Leslie D, Colton L and Gene S.
Lessons from seminary have stayed with me. I am forever grateful for Dr. Rowell’s directness following a theory in Christian ed class, “Mr. Davison, one day I’m going to kick the cynicism out of your ass.” Dr. Cravens, comparing my theological commitments to pocket change, noting in front of my peers during mid-program review, that there would be times I would have to be willing to leave my last quarter on the table on behalf of the Church. “You’ll have to choose what’s most important Michael.” And Dean Suggs, whose voice could call down the power of God, asked me during the Dean’s course, “Mr. Davison, the gospel is one generation away from extinction. What are you prepared to do about it?”
Some of the esteemed have “claimed the fruits of their baptism,” as Michael M, a mentor and colleague, would say. In Memoriam: Ambrose E, Ken L, Margaret H, Will V, Mary Beth G, Steven J-B, Joey J, Dr. Baird, Dr. Suggs, and Fred Craddock. I should say that I didn’t know Rev. Dr. Craddock well. He couldn’t remember my name when we would meet at events, but when I would remind him of my name he would respond, “Oh yes, you work with the young people. It’s very important. Thank you for doing that.”
I pass on to you what was given me. Ministers serve as preacher, teacher, prophet, and priest (pastor). If you are serving the good news of God through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in ministry, ordained or commissioned, you have my admiration, respect, and gratitude. For my colleagues and peers beyond my little frontier movement, you as well have my admiration, respect, and gratitude.