My apologies for neglecting this blog. We've been busy visiting friends and family, which cuts into my computer time but gives me a buoyant sense of belonging, as if the home I'd always dreamed of was around me, made of invisible bricks and mortar, warmed with kind words and fond smiles. I'm so happy to be here, alive.
This week we went to the annual OALC-family gathering, where I chatted up several relatives, joked around with my little brother, and introduced our daughter to an uncle she'd never met. This brother is a preacher now and was asked by our dad to "say a few words." The women present were not wearing scarves and made no effort to find any. I wondered if this was a new development. In past years, the women brought scarves and put them on for singing hymns and listening to the prayer.
In any case, I resigned myself to the inevitable: a mini-sermon that would conclude an exhortation to the fallen star or wayward sheep or what-have-you to return to the precious, one, true, living Christianity.
But no. My soft-voiced, golden-eyed preacher brother spoke simply of gratitude -- for the blessings God has given our family, for seeing his sisters again. Of his hope to meet again in heaven if not here on earth.
That was all. I was moved to tears.
Could it be that preaching has changed? It is evident that my OALC kin are raising their kids differently than how we were raised. It stands to reason that they preach differently too.
As we drove home that night with the children sleeping in the back seat, I wondered how many more times we would be making this trip down the interstate and back, going to these relatives who will not come to us. As long as possible, I suppose.
Thank you for the post. It reminds me of what it important: love and being thankful for what we have. That all gets lost when we focus too much on traditions that have little or no scriptural backing.
ReplyDeleteI've sometimes thought that the hardest thing in the world is to stay the same.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the changes you saw on your trip are a hopeful sign that change, no matter how slowly it may come, is inevitable.
Happy New Year!
LLLreader: Oh Freda, I felt that quick sting of tears that comes when my heart is touched. You are so open, and so willing to share your conflict. The pull, and need, of family love is so stong for you--and for the rest of us. God Bless your brother for realizing what was really important right then--the family being together.
ReplyDeleteFree,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared this experience. It was wonderful to read. Happy New Year!
AnonyMouse
Would your obvious full love of
ReplyDeletefamily be possible if you had
to give up your beliefs or fake
it to have full membership ?
(Visits etc.)
The ball is in their court.
"In any case, I resigned myself to the inevitable: a mini-sermon that would conclude an exhortation to the fallen star or wayward sheep or what-have-you to return to the precious, one, true, living Christianity."
ReplyDeleteFree, I giggled when I read this comment - that is exactly what I expect to hear when I am in a situation where Laestadien preaching is done - not the OALC, but the LLC, in my case.
You write so beautifully. I love how you describe your brother's words. Thank you.
I'm happy to hear this! Happy New Year to You and to both of Your families! (Your brother seems to be nice person and a true christian) Welcome to epiphany meetings in Helsinki, begins at friday evening. Finnair flies You all safely here!
ReplyDeleteHuckleberry Finn-air