by Susan McSwain, Executive Director
Are you weary?
Not just hustle-bustle tired, but soul weary?
We live in a world of hurt. We experience this all the time at Reality…
– Trina* lost her job; will she be able to find a new one?
– Ann’s post-surgery has left her in great pain; she’ll have to go to a nursing facility to heal.
– Lauren’s roommates have moved out; when will someone choose to stay, to live into home and belonging with her?
We have a Reality t-shirt that says “JOY is contagious.” It sure is! Friendships at Reality mean dance parties and belly laughs.
We’re learning that sadness is contagious too.
Thanks be to GOD, we’re not alone in either our joy or our grief. We’re in it together.
Last week during one of our small group times, Carl teared up as he revealed fear about his dad starting cancer treatment. Sam sympathized by sharing the anguish of losing his Grandpa Louie. Then Helen opened up about the crushing heartache she feels over the death of her father just over two years ago.
Trudy piped up, “I want to give you a hug, Carl.” As she embraced her friend in solidarity with his pain, Sam walked over to join, and finally, Helen was enfolded as well.
This is community. This is Reality.
Oh rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing.
-from It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Life is hard. May we pause to hear the angels speaking God’s presence and hope, God’s I AM for you. God making us and all things new in Jesus.
Year-end contributions are huge for us; these gifts enable us to continue growing as a community where we are all both bestowers and recipients of grace. Thank you so much for thinking of Reality as you consider your end-of-year giving.
*Names were changed for privacy’s sake; each of these individuals are deeply known by name and greatly loved at Reality!