Early morning trips on Saturday morning to an abattoir house close to my parents’ house are part of my childhood memories. We often visit there for better bargains and fresh meat with skin, whenever we want to prepare a yummy soup. Oh! The abattoir house used to be crowded and one had to be very vigilant and act smart so as not to be defrauded. The sight of cow slaughtering, the struggle for breath, the outpour of blood, and the “stilling” of the cow as its life ebbs almost always gave way to an agast feeling in me. Also, I really disliked the smell from the shaving/ hair removal process through burning, but I sometimes had to wait to get the fresh meat that my family desired.
It is with a heavy heart today that I am writing that some of our churches have turned into slaughter slabs of lives and destinies of people, especially the young ones. When death resides in safe havens, where, then, do we turn to for safety?
Do you remember the story of that beautiful woman caught in the act? That’s the picture of most churches’ situation in this age. Do you want to know where the strongest and biggest stones for stoning people caught in errors can be found today? It is on the pews and pulpits in churches!
In most cases, when a Christian falls into sin, the brethren are the last person he or she wants to open up to. You probably know why. Don’t you? We are more pious about judging others than desiring to bring the lost/wounded brethren back to Christ. We want to be the first to spread the hot “gist”. Through our attitudes and body languages, we shame others we presume to be “unholy”. Taking the time to understand these persons’ circumstances, empathise, encourage, comfort and help them back on track seem too tasking. We have no time for babysitting! Isn’t it?
Our Foundation’s work with pregnant adolescents, especially in the Christian community opened my eye to these issues, probably, more than ever before! At a point, I had to take some time to dig into my past to bring forth memories of how I reacted toward a sister in the youth group who got pregnant out of wedlock. I want to tell you that I found myself guilty in this regard.
Recently, the Lord opened my eyes of understanding to the rate of abortions in churches versus outside churches. I was stunned! We are all guilty of shedding the innocent blood of babies/fetuses in our society!
Are you disappointed in them? Yes, we know, we are too. But shall we then throw the baby away with the bath water? No, that would not be wise. Instead of throwing stones, let’s get busy showing kindness, understanding and love. Let’s take the time to uncover the truth in stories. Don’t spread false rumours, please. Let gossip know you don’t tolerate false news.
One way to show genuine love and kindness is to bend your knees, gently take the hands of the weak or falling, and pull them up. This way, you would have impacted thousands of souls at the end of your life here on earth, and when you are called up yonder to give an account of your life, you will have beautiful stories to tell… Oh, happy day it will be for you!
Be there physically, mentally and spiritually, fighting for the wounded soldiers of Christ. Caring for the hurting and even supporting people buried in the mess of their own making.
The Church is you! The Church is me. There’s no place to hide. Our world needs us!
©️ THE EMERALD LIGHT INITIATIVE
