May God bless you with discomfort
Here’s the Franciscan Benediction that Craig referred to in this Sunday’s message:
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.And may God bless you with enough foolishness,
To believe that you can make a difference in this world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.
I was having some trouble identifying my burdens this morning, but I’ve been giving it some more thought today and getting more understanding. Are you identifying your God-given burden and embracing it as a blessing?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
I didn’t have too much trouble Sunday morning identifying at least the category of my God-given burden(s). I also felt like Craig was talking directly to me when he described the wrong ways to approach my burden; I seem to have done all three! I sure am having a much harder time coming to terms with the right ways to embrace my burden. It’s easy to come up with excuses why it’s not the right time to embrace it, which easily throws me back to all the wrong approaches. I think, too, I’ve become more cynical recently. Therefore, I want to focus on the last part of the Franciscan Benediction as my prayer this week - being foolish enough to believe I can make a difference.
Craig really did challenge us this week, didn’t he? How are others doing with this?
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:46 am
This is so cool. I agree…my burden was as clear as anything. Then I clarified that I was ready to take action (like Isaiah- Here am I send ME!). And now I will go for it. If we don’t take this approach as a lifestyle, it is life as usual and Satan wins.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Julie,
I love the way you are embracing LIfechurch messages and this blog and being authentic and transparent with it. Thank you. You makes me think and your comments here make me want to act.
November 21st, 2007 at 10:52 am
Intrestingly enough.. I found the very same Benediction inside Charlie Hall’s CD insert…(The band that ministered at NOC). Very Cool..