Blessing
When I was a little girl my daddy was a pastor. I remember filing like ducks with my three siblings into our family car every Sunday. I dreaded it. I just wanted to stay home in the warm sunshine. I much preferred being barefoot to wearing Mary Janes and tights. Church always felt stressful and stifling to my younger self. It was itchy and confining. I found it so difficult to sit still and the pressure was intense with my dad in the pulpit. You know that feeling when you want to laugh so badly but you simply mustn’t or a spanking is involved? Some days I just couldn’t hold in the giggles.
I went to church because I was told to. It was a decision my parents made for me, and not one I would have chosen. As I grew older I began to see the value of church for myself. When Chris and I were married it was exciting to find a place to worship for us as a couple. For the first time in my life I felt like I was going because I wanted to. We found community and learned how to worship God in a whole new way. I bonded with women who helped me as I began a family of my own. One of them was even present at Katie’s birth. Chris was able to play guitar in worship. The separation between my real life and my church life began to dissolve. It was just my life with God. He became more tangible to me in this experience and I loved it.
Fast forward 25 years and I am taking the photo above. Chris and two of our kids are on stage together for worship at our church. I don’t have to hold in the giggles anymore. In fact I think I laugh more in church than I do anywhere else. I laugh and I sing and yes, I dance in church now. (We have a lovely dance team.)
I love my church but even more than that, I love that my children are happy there. They have all made solid friendships within their community and they look forward to going every week. Each one has been able to share and grow in their abilities through our church.
Believe it not, this is not an advertisement for 12Stone but an encouragement to find a place of worship of your own. Not every church is for everyone. Some people fit better in some than others. The good news is, we are blessed to live in a place where there are so many great churches to choose from. We need to have a community of people around us to do life with. We need to raise our kids together with people who will help us care for them.
Gone are the days of itchy tights and shushing sunday school teachers. Church is wonderful. It is both sacred and joyful; it is a place of peace and laughter.
I am so grateful for my church.
Hebrews 10:25 ~” And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Here are a few images from my home church.
Sacred
Worshiping Husband
Beautiful Dancer
Community
Joy
Fun
5 Comments
Mary Anne, this post and your words both make me smile and brings tears to my eyes. I’m always grateful that you entrusted me with your babies oh so long ago – and at the same time, taught me how to be a better woman, a one-day great wife and mother, and how to love God through the good and bad. I remember when Chris was working at the BMW dealership, and you homeschooled the kids. I saw your struggle and desire to be more for Christ. I always wanted to do more for you then “just watch the kids” while I was there. (You always came home to a clean kitchen! lol) I don’t even remember how we got connected, but they were probably some of the most formable days of my life. And to think now after this post that you were still “learning” how to be free in Christ! I guess it’s why it makes me love you so much more now. I was in awe of you then, and you make me prouder even moreso now as I see Katie, Annie, and Johnny grow from the sweet kids you raised them to be into the beautiful Spirit-filled individuals they are now. I am blessed every day by your authenticity. Your smile, your laugh, your giggles, and your spirit are endearing and contagious. You are and have continued to be a beautiful person through all of life’s stages. Much love!
I’m with Alyson.. brought smiles and tears. Beyond thankful for the life and community God has given me at 12Stone–and your family is a big part of that blessing.
Oh, Mary, I remember those days all too well! Getting 4 children ready for church when you live right next to the church, was quite challenging. Some friends would come in to see if they could help me with the struggle would only add to the frustration. I had to make sure that what I would wear would be something that would not bring negative comments from the people in the church. I had a very limited wardrobe. Yes, fast forward to today. I, too, have more joy in my worship than ever before. I love my church. I go to Mountain West Church in Stone Mountain and we are growing so fast. The gospel is bringing people in by droves. Leading a small group in my home on Tuesday mornings has been my greatest joy. My ladies are so connected. We pray for one another’s burdens and have seen many prayers answered. The Lord is good!
Hey little sister…..this blog brought back memories of my childhood living in the house by the church our father pastored in Malden, MO. I loved my black patented shiny shoes and my pretty dresses that our mom put us in. Times have changed so much with the services and the way we dress to go to church. It is definitely more casual. But the hearts of the people are wanting more of Jesus and it shows in the services and worship. I love my church too! Looking forward to a REVIVAL in this country though.
Thank you for your obedience to the Lord. Your blogs touch so many hearts. I am so proud of the woman you have turned out to be. <3
Your words remind me of happier church days. I love the way we chose to engage as a family. “The separation between my real life and my church life began to dissolve.” No plan B. When the rug slipped out from under our feet it was painful, but the spiritual integrity of those days planted seeds in our family that will bear out in the generations ahead. God is not finished. Love you, love our tribe, and cannot wait for next.