Like Yeast from the Least
Like many of you, I'm deeply troubled by decisions being handed down from the top few in our government. These acts of meanspiritedness, under the guise of making American richer and cutting government costs, ruffle more than feathers. They represent fundamental shifts in how the three branches of government function and muddy what it means to be an American here and in the rest of the world. Recent edicts continue to undermine the words on the Statue of Liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
What are some of these acts saying? Well, in February, President Trump announced that they were considering that for $5,000,000 wealthy foreigners could buy a gold card to enter the USA. It's like buying a green card to come on in. So, in other words, we're for sale. This troubles me.
Like many of you, I grew up in what's called the middle class. We didn't have a lot but we had enough. And one of the cardinal sins was ingratitude. Wherever I've lived, immigrants have been part of our schools, towns and cities. Our extended family roots hail from Norway, Denmark, India, Sweden, France, Ireland, Mexico, England and the Sioux nation, for starters. I grew up hearing other languages spoken in our home, church and neighborhood. During our years at Gordon, students lived with us who were from China and the Domincan Republic.
It doesn't take much reflection to recognize that all immigrants are not "rapists, robbers, killers, insane or drug dealers." For decades, immigrants have been like yeast, helping us rise up as a country. They've enriched our lives through their foods, music, skills, hardwork, giftedness, faith and gratitude for the opportunity for a better life for themselves and their families. I recognize the problem of legal versus illegal. We do need immigration reform and borders. But what's happening now should alarm all of us.
This year we're studying the gospel of Matthew in Community Bible Study. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus reminds us that when we care for the least of these, we care for him. This means caring for fellow believers, but also for needy, vulnerable people. Like the poor and immigrants, struggling to belong, feel safe, learn a new language, provide for themselves and their families.
So, lets consider and be considerate of the least who function like yeast, helping us rise on the backs of their labor, skill or expertise. A question from yesterday's lesson in Community Bible Study reconnected me to Jud's first day of treatment at Mass General Hospital. The question from CBS? Have you ever felt like you took refuge under God's wings? This was based on Matthew 23:37-39 when Jesus wept over Jerusalem and cried how he longed to gather them together, "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings."
And so I shared this story with my group, though some of you already know it. While Jud was being hooked up to begin his first day of chemotherapy, I was standing off to the side, unable to watch. But I was praying, worrying, and crying on the inside. Something caught my attention and I turned to see a nursing assistant carrying a large chair. She set the chair beside me and calmly said, "Sit, Mama." So, I sat.
But she didn't leave. She stood behind me, then placed her hands on my shoulders. It felt like a blessing. Then, she began humming, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." I started to weep, then tuned to her and said, "I know that song." She said, "I thought you might, Mama." Her name was Eve, an immigrant from Haiti, one of many who work cleaning and serving at Mass General, like yeast from the least, helping MGH rise to its heights as a world class hospital.
During the three years Jud spent in and out of MGH, I saw Eve now and then. Turns out she goes to the Boston Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor Vedrine served. He's the father of Martha Vedrine, a Gordon alum. Sunday services are held in English, French and Haitian Creole. Amazing Grace in any language. And on a July day in 2011, one of his Haitian flock helped to gather me under God's wings.
So, to any who may be discouraged or frightened, take hope from this story of the God who loves to speak and act through unlikely people. God has them scattered about, lifting sagging spirits, offering a place to sit, singing to soothe. Angels in disguise, quietly helping us rise again.
Thank you, yeasty saints. You make a world of difference.
34 Comments
Wow! Much needed, at such a time as this. Thanks so much, Jan!
Thanks, my dear friend Stan, for taking the time to read this post and respond. You encouraged me. The Church must rise to the challenge and we must "Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to still stand. (from Ephesians 6)
Thank you, Jan, for these wise words, and for your sweet story about Eve. And I fear for Donald and Elon as they stand before the mercy seat and hear the words, "you didn't help me when you saw me hungry and naked and poor."
Yes, dear Mark. It is a time for us to be The Church, to put on the whole armor of God, and to seek God's wisdom to discern what to stand for and what to stand against. I fear many in the larger culture know more about what we're against, as Christ followers, than what are are for. While hate is powerful, love is stronger. No one knows that more than Jesus. Blessings on your day, dear Mark and on you, Carol and your precious family.
Thanks, Mama! I know we are to pray for those in authority, but I struggle with how to pray for them. Sometimes I have to default to the command to pray for our enemies. Lord, have mercy.
Oh, I get that, dear Dan. It's hard to watch, listen to, or even read about the latest plans, schemes, edicts, ramblings, fingerpointing and lies. But , as you say, pray we must. And prayer and the power of God can topple strongholds. But we also need to vote and let elected officials know we hold them accountable to do the work of governing FOR the people, not clutching onto power of their positions. Good to hear from you, Dan, always. Happy to see your name show up all the way from Colorado.
Thanks for spreading words of kindness and challenge! Love your posts!
Well, sometimes it's hard to choose kindness, when a rant would feel better. But you and I know, that love is stronger than hate. And Jesus has made it very clear that we're to hate evil but love our neighbors. That's not so easy either. But Jesus has given us His Spirit to help us to be strong and to do what is right in God's eyes. Tough stuff. But like Anne Lamott said, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." So lets keep praying. And vote at the mid-terms. Blessings on your day, dear Candy.
Wonderful message! Thanks!
YAY! How great to hear from you, Ellie!! You're such a special part of the Willis family. Thanks for reading the post and responding. LIke I've said to others, "You encouraged me." Hope you and the rest of the family are thriving in Colorado. Say hello to Rose for me please. Stay strong in God's power. These are not times to slack off as followers of Christ.
Tears with this one! And prayers for our “red and yellow black and white. They are precious in his sight”!
Well, dear Radina, you know this hymn well and the truth of God's faithfulness. Sending love to you and the Petrocelli family. The Sunday School song you referred to, Jesus Loves the Little Children, may not be PC in its color coding for some, but the heart of the message is true. ALL are precious in God's sight. I'm grateful for songs and hymns that remind us of God's deep and wide love and grace.
Thank you for this, Jan. I teach ESL to immigrants and am surrounded by people from various countries every day. They have offered me hope and encouragement on numerous occasions. It saddens me to see what is happening in our country now to the "least of these."
Well, I thank you, dear Margaret, for the very important work you are doing with those who are new to our country. It's a frightening time for many in this country and for those stuck in limbo on the other side of the border. We need immigration reform but there are better ways of treating people. Unless we are Native Americans, all of our roots can be traced to other parts of the world. We all came as immigrants. God bless you for your good work.
A beautiful and timely word.
Thank you, dear Kristin, for your encouragement. I noticed in your email address SALVATION ARMY. I love and respect the Salvation Army and did many retreats over the years with women who serve in this unique and God-honoring ministry. You serve the poor, hopeless, helpless and marginalized people. You show up when there are earthquakes, fires, bombings and upheaval of many kinds. You come with smiles, food, clothes and care for body, mind and spirit. You represent the heart of God all over the world. Thank you!!!
I love this, every word! Your message touches me on so many levels, thank you dear Jan, for your honesty and your grace.
Well thank you, dear Linda, for your words of encouragement. I look forward to being at your church to speak at a Women's Tea on
April 12th. I think of you and your sister, Margie, fondly. So grateful for all the years you faithfully showed up for the Women's Prayer Group at Gordon College. God only knows what a difference the years of praying did for Gordon students, faculty and staff who we prayed for, many by name. Hope to see you in April.
Just beautiful!!!
That means a lot coming from you, dear Irv. Thanks for all your years of teaching at Gordon. You've made a difference in many lives.
Thank you, Jan. My heart has been especially heavy as few in the church seem to recognize the diabolical nature of much that is happening at the executive level of our government these days. Instead of speaking up, church leadership seems to be ignoring the hurt that is rampant. I am often wondering if any Bonhoeffers will rise from today’s church. Reading your post reminded me that not every Christian is willing to be silent! Thanks to you, and to the many commenters here who have given me a bit more hope.
Well, Easter season, of all times, is the time for HOPE, dear Tara. And I am praying for courageous Bonhoeffer-like Christians to rise up. Torching Teslas is not the answer, though it illustrates frustration and anger. How we vote will speak truth to power in the mid-terms. It's not too late to rise and shine like The Light we're called to be in the darkness. Meanwhile, we can feed the poor, care for the sick through the Savations Army, World Vision, Doctors without Borders, World Relief and local food pantries. Every candle matters when it's dark. So shine on,Tara.
Jan, I am so grateful for your words of measured wisdom. You know my heart beats with yours on this issue. Every day seems to bring a new horror, many committed in the name of Christianity. Have our brothers and sisters forgotten to read the red letter words of Jesus who cared so deeply for the poor? I loved your story about Eve – one of God’s servants who was a ministering angel to you when you most needed it.
For sure, our hearts are in sync on this issues and more, my dear Norwegian sister. It is deeply troubling that too many of us who claim to follow Jesus seem to have gone after lesser gods. Power and greed are powerful idols. But prayer is more powerful. So we love and we pray and hold onto hope. And hold onto each other and those who need a hand, a lift, a lunch, or some sign that they're seen and loved.
Dearest Jan, I remember this sweet story you have written about on occasion and it highlights how the Lord places His people in just the right places at just the right time. Eve was surely His servant for you and for Jud in your time of need. May we seek to look for those opportunities in a hurting world, and be active in this moment, in our communities. The headlines are proving to be ever more anxiety-causing and I know I have to limit myself to just portions each day as they scream out at us, sinking us deeper into chaos and hate. Finding encouraging words from writers such as you are so helpful in taking a higher view and a deep energizing breath as we re-armor ourselves for the work ahead. Yes, the Church will surely be demanded to come alongside those who are the most vulnerable in this country as agencies are smashed and services dismantled. God is watching. I pray we stay true to His word and His commands. I so appreciate your writings Jan!
And I appreciate you, dear Jeri and Ron and your hearts for those who are the "least of these." Your years at Gordon College taught and blessed many, as did Ron's years in Washington, helping Christian colleges and univisities fulfill our mission here and around the world through global programs. We, The Church in the USA, are at a pivotal point in history, again. We must be yeast, Lift up Christ and live out our faith daily through how we speak and act. Choices matter, small and large ones. Keep being yeast to help us rise up and follow Jesus, help the helpless, feed the hungry, resist the lure of power and greed. And above all love God and our neighbors as ourselves. Not easy, but possible through the power of the risen Christ within us. Time for us to rise and shine, be Light in dark times.
So good Jan! Every word of it. I continue to pray for our leadership....
Me, too. I don't believe this is what most voted for, who voted for the current president. I take courage and hope from the truth that overall is written on the map of this world: HERE BE GOD! While it looks like evil is winning, Good and Truth, Justice and Mercy will triumph. Sing a few verses of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. It helps! Hugs to you and Steve.
I love every word of this post. PREACH it, sister. I sure do miss you, new friend! Already scheming about how to get back to Boston.
Thanks, dear Karen, for your encouragement. Ik too, hope we can reconnect when you're in the area, again. I write to you form California, today. Hard to rrereard what I wrote several months ago and realize it's only gotten worse for immigrants and the porr suffering all over the world. We have work to do, in the name of Jesus. The Church must rise up and defend the weak, love mercy, act justly, like Micah men and women.