大象传媒

Good morning.

Whatever people might think, the Churches of our land are not full of people for whom life has gone swimmingly, and who, therefore, find the idea of 鈥�praising God from whom all blessings flow,鈥� an easy or a comfortable thing to do.听 There seems to be a mythology out there, that all believers are na茂ve types who skip through the daisies and know little or nothing about the tough, dark, difficult aspects of our human condition.

听

Nothing, in my experience, could be further from the truth.听 For I look out, Sunday by Sunday, on a mixed collection of people, none of whom has had it easy; not one of whom has been insulated by their faith, from the body blows, upheavals, challenges, disappointments and disasters that can come crashing down on our little lives. 听On the contrary, I see men and women who are dealing with illness, bereavement, betrayals and brokenness in abundance.

听

And the miracle is鈥�. and for me as their minister, it is a humbling truth鈥� they are still there,

regardless of the knocks, wounds and bruisings of experience鈥�. worshipping, praying and serving.

听

The people I encounter in the course of my ministry, are anything but na茂ve dupes.听

They are intelligent, compassionate, integrated and whole people, who have come to understand that whatever else the life of faith might bring 鈥� it brings no concession-tickets,

no easy passage, no immunity from reality.听 It is a faith that has to deal with the questions, the pressures, the darkness鈥�and still live.听

听

Receiving the kindness of such people is a deep comfort.

Sharing the journey with them is a blessing.

听