Christ Centered, radically inclusive

Dear Rivers & TFAM East Family & Friends,

I must tell the truth. All of this death, dying, sickness, disease, etc can make one completely and utterly exhausted. And I am exhausted beyond what I thought I could be. I am also grateful to be allowed to experience something new. As a matter of fact, we have all just been handed something very special: a  “brand, spanking-new” New Year with which to do some very special and amazing things. OR not. It is really up to us.

Newness is something that is very popular in our American culture. Who doesn’t enjoy that “new car” smell, that fresh-out-of-the-box aroma of a new pair of leather shoes, or the feel of that nice Christmas sweater you just opened? Even now, New Year’s resolutions have that new car smell at the moment. Our resolve is high to make this year different than other years. But if the truth be told, the average time between the moment we make our resolutions and their demise is a sad three weeks. By that time all the newness has been aired out of them and they become mere chores. 

Instead, let me suggest a different focus on the year ahead. What are the most important “provisions” that you will need for the journey? When you think about the most challenging times in your life, what are the most important things that have kept you sane and tided you over?

Personally, I can think of some precious things that have gotten me through. The majority of these things take up little or no physical space, which makes sense because Jesus always encouraged his disciples to travel light. In Mark 6:8-9, Jesus charged them to "take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.” His point was to focus them, not to be impoverished, but to clear their vision of material things so that they can clearly see the most precious provisions of all: other people, and the presence of God in those people. Be sure to tell someone to pack light this year!

Of the most precious things on my journey, I count the kind presence of family and friends in dark hours. It has meant so much to me. I stockpile in my mind the sound of their voices. Sometimes you have to encourage yourself and I speak kind words to myself, words of life and affirmation.  I also hoard up within my spirit/soul those moments when I have been transported by beauty far beyond the ordinary. The ring of truth in scripture; a perfect poem, a word of wisdom, times of meditation and prayer, or a beautiful social media post. I especially hold close those transcendent moments when I hear the voice of God through music or song. 

These are my provisions for the times the wind blows, the ground shakes or my world is turned upside down and inside out. 

So at the beginning of this new journey of 2022, I ask you to contemplate this: Who and what are the real provisions of your life? Whomever and whatever they are, think of them and tuck them away in that special part of your heart that you reserve for precious things.

I know that we will have trials, tribulations, challenges, and circumstances but God gives us peace through all these things. The peace that surpasses all understanding. That peace that can and will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

Although we have not been together in almost two years, I still pray for you, I still think of you and I still love you. Let us all be mindful to do and be better this year. Reach out to one another and encourage one another. Let your sister, brother, sibling know that everything will be alright. 

I have a request to make of you, it is not about fasting or consecrating. I ask that you love your neighbor as you love yourself. If you cannot muster that,  then I want you to learn how to love yourself so that you can love your neighbor. 

I ask that you forgive if forgiveness is in order. That you apologize if an apology is needed. Whatever you need to do to clear things up or clear things out please do so. Time is truly filled with swift transition. 

Sending love and light to everyone! 

Happy 2022! Happy New You!
Bishop-Elect Vanessa M. Brown