A Simple Act

The global church has been on my heart lately.

It’s beauty;
It’s facets;
It’s impact.

I admit there are times when I look around at buildings and pews full of the weak and fallible and wonder what in the world God was thinking. Yet, with all of it’s frustrations and imperfections, it is a beautiful thing to behold when you catch a glimpse of the grace God extends through it to those that are hurting.

The father of a sweet co-worker passed away recently. One morning last week, she shared with me a sympathy card that brought tears to my eyes.

The logo in the return address was familiar because I listen to their podcasts from time-to-time.

Menlo Park Presbyterian church is a large church in California. So, immediately, my interest was peaked: Why would someone in Birmingham, Alabama be getting a card from a church so far away?

The typed sentiments on the front were sweet, “Today…[we] prayed together for you. We asked God to give you his comfort, assurance and staying power during this time of trial…”

But it wasn’t until I opened up the card that I gasped.

It was filled with signature…after signature…after signature.

Fifty-seven of them to be exact.

Fifty-seven men.
Fifty-seven prayers.
Fifty-seven blessings…
from 2,300 miles away.

I have never wanted to hop on a plane and hug a group of men in all my life!

Aren’t they the cutest?

I won’t even mention that they have met every Saturday morning at 7:30 AM for the past 40 years!!

Through a single card (not even sent to me, I might add), I found inspiration to persevere in the smallest, simplest, and seemingly overlooked tasks that can change a life or, at the very least, brighten a day.

That’s what happened when these men signed a card and said a prayer.  They brightened not only the day of a grieving daughter, but they gave me a remarkable glimpse into the inexhaustible and far-reaching grace God extends through the simple acts of His Church.

Praise His Name!