Two
Two years ago, the talked about concern was becoming a reality. A virus of unknown origin placed a grip upon our community, and our church family was not immune. While sitting around the dinner table on that Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the breaking news alert came across my phone; "The NBA suspends all games." Following that announcement, the concern of "will this virus reach us" turned into "how will this affect us?"
On March 15, 2020, we decided to cancel what would become the first of 12 weeks of canceled Worship services. We moved from gathering with our church family to gathering in our homes with our family. The children were sent home a day early for a spring break that lasted an entire academic year before they returned. These past two years have made us more aware of community health; it has polarized friends, family, and a nation, it has tested our resolve more than anything we can recall, and it's provided us with a lesson to learn.
I guess the question is, what did we learn, and how will we proceed with the lessons taught? Every time I turned on the television or checked my social media outlets, there seemed to be some expert telling me how "dark" these days are. We continue to fail to address the racial, economic, housing, healthcare — fill in your own — crisis. Yes, the world is dark, but darkness is not the problem; it's the lack of light. So the following statement is that "toe stepping" statement. Friends, Christ identified us as "the light of the world." Therefore as "light," I have failed. Yes, so much has been accomplished regarding UABC and her continued ministries. We can build the list, show the results, and even feel accomplished that we "survived" two years of a pandemic. But friends, I have failed to be the light. Like you, I added my complaints. I have shared my frustrations. I was angered that my daughter lost her entire Senior Year of High School. It appeared to be dark for two years, but the real problem was that I did not fulfill my role of being a witness 24/7.
When Jesus called upon His disciples to be the "light of the world," I believe he was asking for the impossible. I'm sure the disciples thought this because I did many times "how can a small gathering of people, for me at 2181 Union Avenue, make a difference and tell the community about Jesus Christ? We became accustomed to informing the community on our campus, in our pew, and with our style. But, unfortunately, two years ago, that was taken from us, and as a result, our light dimmed. We lost fellowship, Wednesday meals, Worship, and most importantly, we lost you. Our light had dimmed to the point of non-existent for some of you. As a result, your personal world became dark and for that I am sorry.
You might think like me; my little light will not make any difference; the darkness is too great. In truth, the most minor lights make the most significant differences. In fact, the blacker the dark, the more powerful the impact of the light. Find a match in your home; now go into a windowless room, turn out the lights, and strike that match. That singular small light does indeed light up the entire room. Our small light can be the light needed to brighten our workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.
I need to work harder at pushing back the darkness. Will you join me? I'm not naive; at least, I would like to think I'm not. While there is hope that the pandemic will change to an endemic, the reality is COVID will be with us forever. How we handle things in the days to come will depend on what lessons we learn. Yes, dark days will continue, but days can be full of light if I work to seek Jesus in every moment of every day. Friends, I love serving the Lord at UABC, and I thank you for your trust these past two years. My prayer is that of Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." No matter how small my light and no matter how dark things become, I know that with Christ, the darkness can not and will not overcome the light.