To bless - Al & Jackie North

As one thinks about the word Bless either as a noun or a verb, we realize there are so many ways and means to express this word for the day.  We can reference and interpret bless as bless, blessing, and blessed. We chose to focus the verb form – taking action. 

As we talked and shared our thoughts, Jackie and I chose to reflect on our experience this past year serving in this recovery ministry.  We researched many, many references in the Bible and the many interpretations available from a multitude of resources, plus our own personal witness of miracles happening week after week in the recovery program. These led us to choose Matthew 5: 3-11 as the foundation of our message this day. The disciples heard Jesus present the Kingdom values (what is eternal), God’s way of living, through the Beatitudes – the code of ethics and a standard of living for all believers.  As you read each verse, each one of the beatitudes, you realize our daily, human life clashes with the codes because we live the worldly life.  All of us are guilty.  Hence, we all will find ourselves in moments of our life or maybe a lifetime, in which we will need recovery, living worldly values in conflict with kingdom values. 

More than a year ago, a small group came together to explore this ministry called “Recovery”.  Most of us, if not all of us, had no conception for what we were preparing ourselves for.  However, after a year of studying, serving, and witnessing lives being changed, recovery has become a way of life at  1st UMC. What we have learned is this program, this ministry (with God’s guidance, grace, and support) rebuilds relationships, preserves families, and even saves lives.  We learned how to see “the good in everyone” – we watch God change lives – we became stronger in our faith, deeper spiritual life – closer to God.

But this ministry is far more than about us, the church – it is about our guest: us- we- you-those people.  It is about every single person who enters the door of this building.  That person having the courage to receive the blessed comfort in a place that embraces them as they are, or someone with special needs, or someone that is hurting – in other words a need of recovery. 

We have learned that recovery begins with Step One of the 12 Step AA program, which states “we admitted we were powerless over our effects of our separation from God that our lives had become unmanageable”  In other words, living a life about ME.  Once we truly accept that our life is unmanageable then the life long journey of recovery with hope and joy begins.  God will bless those who __________ (you fill in the blank). 

In closing, as servants in this ministry, here is one action verb to interpret this powerful word of the day, BLESS:  “If you want to live for God, you must be ready to say and do what seems strange to the world.  You must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse.  By giving up our own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God has in store for you.”

We ask:  What can you do to BLESS someone else?  We invite you to come and join us at Recovery at Maryville, Wednesday evenings. 

Al and Jackie North