It seems as just yesterday I was enjoying time with my sisters and brothers from around the globe. So quickly we became friends, and so quickly we were made to leave. In the next few days as their debriefing ends they will board planes and travel the long distances from Independence to the places where their friends and family eagerly await their return and new adventures await them. It is my extreme hope that as they do so that the ministry of the Temple will spiral out with them. That from their experiences over the past five months, that they have been empowered to “Share Christ, Share Peace” and remember “We are many, we are one.” In doing so truly embody the meaning of the Restoration as a healing and redeeming agent in the world, reaching out to all in love and peace, so that one day all of creation may truly be restored to the beautiful and unique harmony it is created to be. I know they are able, for in my brief time with them, the touched my life, they brought me great joy, and helped me find new pathways of healing for myself, perhaps as I witnessed the Spirit work through them, I gained the courage and strength to step outside my boundaries, my hesitations, and self doubts and truly start to engage my sense of call. I’m not fully there yet, but I am hoping to be less hesitant, take more risks, and truly become with all of Community of Christ a people of Temple and Sacrament. I am willing to step out and share that Peace of Christ in new ways, no longer letting myself go “But, are you sure God? I don’t think I’m gifted/ready… for that” but say “here am I, scared as heck, but willing to embrace and trust you Loving Creating and Calling One!”
So I challang all who read this, to join with me, be you Community of Christ, another Christian tradition, or another Faith tradition, to go and share Peace. Let us work together for the restoration of all of creation.
In a few weeks time, I will be leaving Nauvoo, and heading to Kirtland. As I do I go to return to School, but also to engage in helping shape potential new ministries and rejuvenate old in a pale so dear to me. It is my prayer that I will be open to the Spirit through all of this so that I may truly become alive in my calling and response to that divine grace, love, hope and peace, that I have experienced, have known, and yearn to reflect.
Peace be with one and all,
— Lyle II