Rooted and Grounded in LOVE

Dear LFP Family and Friends,

I'm enjoying a new book by Brené Brown, called Strong Ground. Brené always gets to the heart of what it means for us to live courageously out of our authentic self. I find this incredibly important in this current cultural moment. Every day I have to ask myself, "what our my values and how can I live them well right now?"

Brown writes, "Individuals and organizations are building new muscles. Finding our strong ground--that athletic stance--is the only thing that can provide both unwavering stability in a maelstrom of uncertainty and a platform for the fast, explosive change that the world is demanding."

When I was in junior high I played two years of football. Back then I remember one of our drills. Our coach would make us get into a 3-point stance, and then come down the line and try to pull us or push us over. He was testing our stance. Were we able to stand firm, hold our ground? This is what Brown is talking about and it reminds me of what Paul describes in Ephesians 3:16-17 (NRSVue)"

16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

In a way, Paul is saying, we will find our "strong ground" as God strengthens our inner being through his Spirt, and as Christ takes up residence in our life. This is what it means to be "rooted and grounded in love."

Every day you and I can wake up and say, "no matter what comes at me today" or "no matter what kind of sad, broken, unjust or uncaring thing I read about in the headlines" -- "I can be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. And because of that, I can love well, I can serve my neighbor, I can create space for someone else to feel welcome, to belong."

What is one thing you have to face in this season where it really matters to know that "you are being rooted and grounded in love?" My prayer is that you might feel the strength of that three-point stance! Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Before I go, don't miss the Working Genius workshop opportunity after church on November 9. You will find this tremendously helpful for work, serving at church, even understanding members of your family. There is even an assessment for teens if you want to do this with your student!

Also, the month of November we will be collecting new socks for Operation Nightwatch and Thanksgiving food items for Kellogg Middle School as part of our Friday Food Packs partnership! Join in!

With joy in the journey,

Jeff

Lead Pastor