Post — Word On The Curb DC

Sunday, November 19, 2017

It is the imagined and real #suffering of a loved-one that leads us down the path of #purpose. Whether a precious child borne to our care until #adulthood, that relies on us for basic and eventual #luxury necessities. Or a royal #dog, whose nonverbal #companionship is likely the most we will ever experience #unconditional #love. We shower love, #affection, and every attainable resource on those we love in an effort to help lessen their sufferings on #earth. This “purpose of life” we seek—the #responsibility and #privilege to help #people and #animal-- is illustrated for #global and microcosmic #reproof in how we #care daily for our #humanity… This I learned from a dog (#god).

When the passenger name displayed in the app last Monday or Tuesday (the only detail I’m fuzzy on), I looked heavenward and said aloud, “I see what you’re doing.” Little did I know, I couldn’t even imagine the shenanigans he’d laid afoot. I pulled curb-side expecting one, likely-female passenger. There awaited two; one younger male and one mature female...oh, and some contraption in the man’s hands. When the door swung open, I asked the young man, “are you Glorie?” He replied, that was his wife’s name and she would be along shortly with the baby. In the interim he, his mother and I would spend a moment trying to install the base to the baby car-basket. Once we were successful, and as if the cue were rehearsed, Glorie emerged from the building lobby with the tiniest bundle of life swaddled in brand-new clothing. It turns out, Luke (the baby’s name) was three days-old and headed home for the first time. I accepted responsibility for the precious cargo, and we were off through the streets of Capitol Hill, Federal Center Southwest and Chinatown.

I let them know I knew from the initial trip-request this would be a special experience, as I had been meditating on the word “glory” with great frequency of late. They asked if I were Christian. I replied, “something like that.” They voluntarily acknowledged that they were (are you kidding me, Glorie and Luke?!). It was then I shared my meditative conclusion on “glory.” I said, “glory is the intersection of God doing what he does and us having our minds blown.” They affirmed agreement with the statement by asking what church I attended. I said, “Shiloh Baptist; 9thand P is the place to be.” They offered, “Capitol Hill Baptist Church with Mark Dever” was their fellowship. The subject then turned to grandmother when I asked her, “do you have any prior experience at this grandmothering-thing?” The coy yet confident response was delivered with sugary sweetness. “Luke is my 27thgrandchild,” she said. I had to pump the brakes to avoid accidental acceleration!... So, she’s qualified.

When we arrived to their building, I assisted with removal of the base and basket, wished them the best in parenting, and said maybe I’d check-out that church of theirs... Yep. I attended Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) this morning. And in advance, I learned that vice president Mike Pence had recently attended service there. But remember, the gospel is for all people; without respect of politics (even in Washington, D.C.). With this knowledge, however, I had somewhat tempered my expectations for what the experience would likely be. I arrived on-time with an extra ten minutes to find seating. I was greeted at a minimum of six times by ushers and parishioners; each time a genuine out-pouring of hospitality and inclusive engagement. However, I was stunned when I looked around at the assembled congregants. Thinking I was walking into yet another articulation of the “most segregated hour in America,” what I found at Capitol Hill Baptist Church was the harmonious co-existence of faith and the equitable representation of America’s beautiful diversity. Everyone was at the table, willingly participating, and inspiring those across the aisles in their faith journey. This was the perfection of “whosoever will, let him come.”

Through familiar hymns, theological affirmations, a Prayer of Reliance, and offertory, it all seemed designed like other services I had attended at other churches. Except, this experience was kissed with “God-incidence.” It seems they planned the service especially for me, as every facet of the service spoke to the themes of restoration, justice, faithful deportment, and reconciliation. From Matthew 9:18-34 that fella Mike Dever, in a style reminiscent of university history professor and high school choir director (who doesn’t love their high school choir director?), delivered reverential and convincing discovery that our struggles are not our own to bear. Dever reminded that Jesus helped; Jesus became famous; and Jesus was opposed. Put another way, why would we all not have hardship when Jesus was the savior of the world and was met with hostile persecution. And if crucifixion is good enough for Jesus, then surely a little struggle on our journey is apropos, no?... There were countless other nuggets in this sermon. However, the great take-away for me was the admonishment to “love your enemy and all who oppose your faith journey.” That’s “glory” ya’ll.

My mind has been completely blown by this entire week’s experience!... And my reflective conclusion from this: “If your presence and praise are genuine and authentic, welcoming and inclusive, compassionate and generous, then you are “the called.”