Keep Steady!

Early in ministry I remember Bishop John Wesley Hardt attempting control of plenary sessions at Annual Conference saying "let's just hold steady now!" I'd rather not remember other things he said, but I do not mind remembering that one! We are in the mode of need those wise words! As the clouds rolled in on our morning, and I heard one North Georgia delegate say to a friend, "of course I have on a suit, it's Sunday!" I paused to remember the wonderful people who will be worshiping this morning at Christ Church in Denver, and the thousands across the RMC.......... It is good to be here. It is frustrating to be here. It is connecting to be here. It is frightening to be here. A text message went out yesterday from Reconciling Ministries to boycott the local Bennigans Restaurant because of an African American brother from NY being refused service! Is this 2008 or 1958? But we keep moving on. We keep trying and praying and talking and mingling. I'm choosing not to wear my multi-colored stole that hundreds are wearing. I am intentionally talking to people that usually won't talk to me when I have that stole on. I hope that by talking, and the wonderful witness of those who are wearing the stoles, we will begin to treat one another as children of God, rather than enemies. On the other hand, there are beautiful people doing beautiful things in the place. And your delegation is well among them! Carolyn WAters