Two words guide me these days

by Valora Starr

I am still in awe of how God speaks to me and to the circles of faith through which I live out my calling.  God has not been so intently clearer to me than with the ripples created with Women of the ELCA’s Tenth Triennial Gathering theme all anew.

We have lots of reminders here in the office, and sometimes I find myself staring at those two little words—lower case, no punctuation (though I love a good exclamation point or two if I am truly excited). I am moved to study them just as they are. Two words.

[bctt tweet=”Sometimes I find myself staring at those two little words…all anew.” username=”womenoftheelca”]

I have come to see all anew as

• a declaration–a formal announcement. A statement of proclamation. It is what it is! And because God is everything, every situation and everyone is all anew. I think of the horrors of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (I have tons of family and friends in their path), and with each new day, these forces of nature are new and different. And so are the stories of human grace.
• an action–a response to all anew is required to be made known beyond ourselves. I, like many, struggle with this one, but there comes a time in every plan when our intent must be made known. I had to pick up the phone and dial the number to help with the hurricane recovery by giving.
• a command–a directive, instructions and guidance to carry through in our action. Jesus modeled with The Twelve and the other disciples, including us, that the command includes personal assistance. And Jesus is with us always.

Thinking of all anew when I am all anew gives me insight into Paul’s words to the Corinthians to explore God’s plan for me in a new way.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Please give to Lutheran Disaster Response through Women of the ELCA. Every cent of your donation will be forwarded immediately to Lutheran Disaster Response, and people will know that it’s the women of the church acting together to bring healing and wholeness to the church, the society, and the world.

All you need to do is make out your check to Women of the ELCA and write Lutheran Disaster Response: US Hurricane Response on the memo line. Mail it to: Women of the ELCA, ELCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield VA 22116-8009.

Photo is art by Tenth Triennial Gathering artist-in-residence Vonda Drees