Each Sunday I walk through my church doors and find a second home, a place where it is okay to be me. I find love and acceptance among people seeking God. None of us are perfect. None of us have life figured out. We are all trudging along, looking for the best way to move beyond who we are into who God has decided we should be.
We have conversations that move beyond the polite "How are you?" into honest concern and sharing. We ask questions. We discuss. We sing. We listen to God's chosen speak. We search the scriptures.
The people I worship with model trust, faithfulness and perseverance in the midst of personal struggle. They determine to believe what God says is true, living out that belief every day of their lives. They make me want to be a better person, a better Christian and I am honored to be part of them.
Sometimes in our praise time, I stop singing to hear the voices filling the room. Though I know some can only go through the motions, others lift them up as they give it their all. In that moment we are one in voice and I wonder if God is smiling like me at the miracle--a myriad of people, full of differences, together in one room, focused on one purpose, coming in contact with Almighty God.
And I am so thankful, so privileged, to have the freedom to be together in this way. I am cognizant of the sacrifices of many people I never knew who have given me this luxury and my heart overflows with gratitude.
Thank You, Lord. Thank You for this freedom to worship that I often take for granted. Bless those who have sacrificed to provide this for a nation who doesn't always appreciate it. May we understand and treasure the gift.
To read what others are thankful for, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
9 comments:
Amen! Isn't it a blessing to have that kind of body of Christ around us? It is something I hope that I never take for granted. Bless you!
I am so thankful for the body of Christ... and I'm so thankful to get to be amongst them freely!
Sheila
Tami, this was awesome.
Thank God for the beautiful body of Christ!
Your church sounds like a place I'd love to visit.
Yes, to even try and phantom the price that was paid for all of this!
I feel so grateful too.
Happy 4th of July♥
What a sweet post. I'm glad you are part of such a wonderful church. Happy TT, and 4th.
Amen sister! Have a great 4th!
Freedom is everything isn't it? he who the Son sets free is FREE indeed!
I love that you stand still during worship to just listen - so do I! And often it makes me cry and my heart yells out Exhalt yourself in this place Lord - Exhalt yourself!
I love to bask in the praise that is offered up.
You have such a real spirit about you I just love it!
I'll be gone for a week but we'll chat when I get back
Later gater
It is a precious freedom! I love our church too. I'm happy to be a part of it and share you feelings.
It sounds like you have a wonderful local church body. I am also thankful for my church home. We've gone through some tough times lately, but it's caused us to pull together.
Amen to that, Tami. Yes, sometimes we do take the freedom to worship for granted - don't we. I am often reminded that some Christians meet in 'underground churches' because they are not allowed to worship the God we know...
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us.
Blessings to you and your precious family...
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