For me, it's really about you.
There's only one of me, but there are several of you I've loved and keep nearby.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Not Just Any Place & Time
“The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24
Some autumn mornings, I still hear those voices floating through the fields. Familiar songs launching from the prayerful throats of newly surrendered saints. I see them. Copper- fleshed spirits in the sun. I smell old summer’s breath from dying corn rows and dry soil resins. I peek and there they are! Coming and going through the old rustic barn that castled a select brethren. Each face is still young as if time never escaped us. Before trouble could snake its way into our joy and rob us of what had been given us for a future time. Before we knew that this was an appointment with the Most High God whose nurturing would complete our youth and prepare us for the joys and terror that find us. Prophecy for a later fulfillment. We were considered crazy, but equally interesting. Heretical, but forthcoming!
It was the early days of Jesus folk and this collection of people was a unique mix.
Hippies with a new mission. Barefoot rebels against the religious system, willing to be changed at the risk of looking strange, far out. Fools for Christ. What looked like blind faith was indeed, an unorthodox means of walking on the water and stepping up the first rung toward our eternity. Newly called by the ancient Holy Spirit, the hovering Sword cut through the rough husk of careless sinners, preparing a tablescape for us, the Lord’s newborns. From this haunting memory, I saw a fuller picture of how precious it all was. An unthinkable kind of Amish-like genre was born. We worshiped, befriending all creeds, cultures and colors. Men took a stand to preach on God’s behalf. Rocking chairs creaked on rotting wood floors while women collectively breast-fed their babies. It was pleasureable and disconcerting- a blend of favor and rebuke.
This was “ Light of the World Fellowship”. A place to begin, grow in and apart from and back again. A spiritual sobriety of hand-picked spouses who would be grateful for one more name on the church’s cornerstone.
Ecclesiastes 4:10
“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
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this is a sweet description of many who are still my family even though i came later and we are now called calvary chapel of evansville and we meet in storefront and not a barn :O)
ReplyDeleteI hope I replied go your comment. If not, thank you for adding to this good memory!
DeleteDianne,
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words. Describes so much of my heart. I loved growing up with everyone. The love and community we had was amazing! I OFTEN look back and wish for another season of that type of fellowship to fall upon us today! My heart yearns for the purity and honesty of it all! Once you have had something so powerful, so meaningful, so life molding....nothing else can come close to it! Thanks for your words! Bless you Dianne!
I want to thank you all again for this little revelation in a pile of years.You made it worth it, Rachel.
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ReplyDeleteThank you Jane, and Rachel for reading, but most of all, for confirming that it was, indeed, a wonderful time!
DeleteWe've stepped out and, still, He covers us! Love to all!
Oh my.. My dear sister so gifted with words. Although I never sat in "The Barn" I began my journey with my Savior the 1st week these precious few had laid claim on a building in the inner city. I grew up at Light of the World Fellowship and even tho many of the faces are gone- and the building has become home for another group of believers.. I still call this church that sprang up in a barn my home. I am so very very thankful for the work God has done through such simple vessels. It is through our cracks that His light shines brightest. Thank you for sharing this. I love you sister!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you christened the 2nd building so close to the time, but you must be glad!! Thank you for added intrigue to its bookmark. I'm ever grateful to be linked to its legacy and your special layer of words. I've always loved you so!
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