Seventeen years ago this day (17 June 1990) the doors to the Casper Wyoming Community of Christ Congregation (then RLDS) went unopened and yet the members of that congregation, along with visitors form other areas were gathered together to worship. They met that day elsewhere in town in the building of a tradition that met on Saturdays rather than Sundays. They met there that day to celebrate two of the sacraments of Community of Christ, that of Baptism by Water, and Confirmation (or Baptism by the Spirit) of a young boy, in fact the only boy, in the congregation.
That young boy was me. It was an amazing and important day in my life. I can still remember the bright yellow shorts and tank top I had brought with me to change into, and my parents bringing what I called my “Easter Suit” as they bought it for me right before Easter, and I assumed it was just for Easter and so didn’t want to wear it. They said it was up to me, well when the hands were laid upon my head and I was confirmed by my Grandpa and another, well I was not wearing a bright yellow tank top or shorts.
In the years that would follow that day I would face many struggles, and I would hide from myself the experiences, encounters, and knowledge of the eternal One and Living Christ that had led me to enter the waters 17 years ago. But in and through loving community that shared the peace of Christ with me and many others, I would eventually once again realize and experience that which had always been there, that which called me to those waters, and calls me to a life of service. I would be transformed by the grace of the Eternal One from a broken and shattered boy into a young man who is still broken but now bandaged up by love, grace, and peace and starting to heal and become whole once more.
When I entered those waters 17 years ago today I would never have dreamed where that choice would take me. As I listen and try to discern the will of the Spirit for me and for the faith community I am part of, and that of creation, I often find myself wanting to go run and hide, feeling unworthy, unable, ungifted in embracing that task that individually and communally I am being called to. I feel like I should be running scared, and yet I’m not. I may at times respond hesitantly. I may at times move slower than I should and at times doubt my ability and worth to embrace that call, but still I move forward and try my best to stand back when I stumble and trip as I travel the path of Discipleship. Knowing that the Eternal One is always there to guide and aid me, to offer a helping hand to get me back upon my feet.
That day 17 years ago when Lyle Anderson baptized Lyle Anderson II will an important step in my journey, and is a day I shall never forget. It is part of how I am being transformed by God.
Peace be with you, one and all,
— Lyle II