I Sit Next to You

I sit in the pew right next to you…

Each week we walk through the door of our churches, smile, shake hands and sing a few songs. The man of God shares a good word – but later we stroll back to our shiny new automobiles. We turn back to our cloistered suburban neighborhoods with out head tucked into our shell. We came and left – another week of our faith being lived out more in word than in deed
Nothing required of us and nothing much was given back to any who stood nearby. no mess mo fuss no bother- our weekly religious obligation checked off our to do list. I consider who we may have just passed on our way in or out. What struggle lurks inside and what story needs be shared – if we might just pause, wait stop look and listen- for whom might we find in the row next to us….

I am a young mom spent from a long week with children, sick with the flu – I am exhausted.

I am a husband who discovered last Tuesday, my wife had been with another- my heart is shattered.

I am a single woman in mid life, and fear I may never know the covenant and treasure of a spouse- I am lonely.

I am a man wrestling daily amidst the grip of pornography- I am ashamed.

I am a mother and father with a child immeshed in the ugliness of addiction – we are terrified and heartbroken.

I am a blue collar worker, dedicated to my company for more than half my life. Yesterday, at days end, I was told my position had been eliminated.  My services no longer needed – at 57, I am fearful I will not find work again.

I am a teenager who aborted my baby this week – I am empty. I am overwhelmed at the enormity of what I have done.

I am a senior citizen who struggles with my value. Who has need of me anymore? I feel worthless.

I am a wife of a soldier. I live as a single parent but I am not. I wonder if he will come home complete in body and mind.

I am a Christ follower struggling to believe God has a plan for my life – I am a ship adrift without a rudder.

I am a 47 year old father of 5. My doctor has asked to see me tomorrow first thing. My father died of cancer two days after his 48th birthday. I am frightened when I imagine the words I may hear.

I am a family who continues to mourn the loss of a child…two years ago. Daily we see her empty place at our table. Life as we knew it ended when hers did. Will our grief ever end?

Who will sit next to you at next sabbath?
What would your love and acceptance look like to them?
How might you become the reality of faith with skin to another?

A willingness to step out of our comfort zone and stand with the hurting, who so desperately need to see faith in action, may be the difference between hope and despair- for one who sits next to you.

Matthew 25: 42-45 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’