May 1, 2020
Dear Cathedral Family,
But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
Psalm 77:11 (NLT)
It’s hard to believe that we are already in the month of May. Seems like just yesterday (wait, make that forever ago) that we were in the month of March, planning our spring and summer church activities. Then everything came to a screeching halt almost overnight. As you well know, none of this took God by surprise. Us, yes! God, no!! And as we continue through this, our anchor holds firm in a Kingdom that is not shaken at all.
I’m so grateful that we’re able to stay connected and do church online, but can I be honest with you? It’s really hard for me to not see your faces and interact with you in person, but I trust that God is doing a mighty work during this season. I look forward to seeing the fruit!
Dean and I are spending time praying, privately and together, and reaching out to check on people. Many of you have expressed how you’re starting to feel the strain – the emotional weariness, the mental fatigue, and the frustration of wondering when things will change. It’s like you had a full “reserve tank” going into this season, and now you’re close to running on empty.
How do we get recharged and refilled in a season like this? Spending time in God’s presence always refuels me; it could be reading the Bible, praying, just being quiet and listening for His voice, spending time worshiping with music, or taking a walk and enjoying being outdoors with Dean. I love to see how creative God is in communicating with me.
And I’m keeping a close check on where my thoughts go! Could I encourage you do a thought check? Where are your thoughts these days? Perhaps it would serve you well to pause and take a few moments to remember what’s good – about God, about your family, about how God has seen you through in the past.
That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about this Sunday. Pastor Eddie Tilley has a wonderful word about the power of remembering. I can’t wait for us to worship together and for you to experience what God has for us!
In the meantime, please be kind to yourself and others. Give a little extra grace. Keep checking on your friends and neighbors. Your phone call, text, card or surprise gift at the door could make all the difference. If you or someone you know is in need of food or financial assistance in this season, please help us get them connected to our Lowcountry Hope Center. We have resources available. No one has to fight alone.
See you Sunday at 11am on Facebook or Livestream for church online.
Mike Lewis
Cathedral