If not here, then where?
“Welcome back!”
A phrase that can be both assuring and possibly cause slight angst. If you have been consistent in the relationship or event those two words demonstrate a sense of belonging as you come back into that familiar moment or event. Yet, if for whatever reason you have been away and shame may have polluted your thoughts and kicked up some fear of rejection it could sound cynical. Shame is disgusting and burdens people with false ideas and feelings of rejection. The tactic of shame is not employed by our God. In fact, God’s utilizes Grace in working with us.
Did you read your Bible today? How is your prayer life? All questions, similar to the phrase “Welcome Back,” that can invoke either shame or belonging. I have been in conversations with individuals that for whatever reason, have not been consistent in worship, and express a sense of shame or fear of rejection because of their neglect. As if God is standing at the door, with a snarky judgmental comment ready to shame the person. Again, we see just the opposite demonstrated in God’s Way through the life of Jesus.
The prodigal son, in Luke 15, definitely deserves an element of a snarky “welcome back” or extra weight of shame heaped onto his shoulders, based upon his actions. Well, if the story were about a human’s response, there could be that but it is all about how God responds. Notice, no snarky “welcome back” or “well, well, well…look what the cat dragged in.” God’s actions are just the opposite. He ran to the son, hugged him, and declared restoration. No condemnation, no penance demanded, or shaming response. The father offers him his place again. A place of belonging.
Shame provokes fear and anxiety that twists our understanding and keeps us from going to God. Guilt recognizes our mistakes and leads us to restoration. So, if you haven’t had a chance to jump into God’s word lately or spend time in prayer, don’t let shame hold you back. When you enter in, just like the son, you will hear, “Hello my beloved child! I am glad you are here.” Jesus demonstrates this same grace with Peter in the end of John’s Gospel. No snarky quip about falling away or heaping up of shame but a gentle and loving restorative moment.
The Church has to be that same space of Grace and Belonging. There is no place for shame or snarky quips in our responses and demands. It’s been a while, okay, glad you are here. Honestly, I recognize the Beacon hasn’t gone out in a while and to a certain degree there was some shame that could have prevented this edition. Yet, as the saying goes, “If not here, then where?” If Grace, Love, and Belonging is not within the church, then where? I ignored that shame, sat down, and began writing.
