Don't Be Anxious About Anything...

I traveled with our www.GO group yesterday to Ford's Theater to see the musical, "Come From Away."  This is the story of the sleepy little town of Gander, Newfoundland that became a haven for nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 when American airspace was abruptly closed for several days. These unexpected "guests" needed food, shelter, clothing, access to communication, and comfort. The challenges seemed insurmountable, but the residents of Gander and surrounding towns exemplified to the those passengers, and indeed, the world, the significance of hospitality and community.

In one very poignant moment, a bus pulls up to a Salvation Army camp on that first night with a load of weary passengers from around the world. The folks from the Salvation Army come running toward the bus in their uniforms to greet them. An African couple was sitting in the front of the bus and were to be the first ones off, but when they saw the uniformed welcome party, they refused to get off, thinking they were a military group that might not treat them well. The bus driver tried to reason with them, but the language barrier seemed too difficult to overcome. Then the driver saw that the woman had a Bible in her hand. He asked if he could see it and opened it. It was, of course, in the native language of the African woman, but the driver knew the books of the Bible would be in order and the numbering system seemed the same. He found what he believed to be Philippians 4:6, and pointed it out to the woman. Somewhat warily, she took the Bible from him and read the verse he had pointed out..."Don't be anxious about anything..."   A sense of trust was established and the character playing the bus driver, turned to the audience, and said something to the effect that after that, they found a common language.

Words of comfort and encouragement have a place in this troubled world. There are many things that divide us, including our different languages and cultures. Truth be told, many of us who speak the same language and share the same culture still have trouble at times communicating effectively. Perhaps a kind word of respect and understanding would open doors of communication for you and someone you struggle to understand. Perhaps the message of hope we know in the living word, Jesus Christ, and written words of scripture could also break down those barriers and bring blessing to broken relationships as well as new relationships yet undiscovered.

Don't be anxious about anything...words we need to hear and share.

Join us Sunday morning for music dedication Sunday. You will hear and share in some wonderful music, and you will be blessed to witness the baptisms of Parker and Vivian Seay. An added blessing will be that Parker and Vivian's grandfather, Rev. L. Grant Carter III, will baptize his grandchildren. It will be a wonderful day to gather for worship, so invite a friend or neighbor to join you.

Jim Abernathy