May 25, 2020
Story of Faith by Margaret Broderius
Folks who share their faith in God for all to see is often my comfort and inspiration. There can be something to learn every day, and there is the opportunity to be reminded of God’s love for us, available for me and everyone else. The journey changes with life’s challenges and celebrations but it is going on every day. My faith has been strengthened in large part because of “being invited.”
When I was in junior high school, a friend invited me to Sunday School at her Methodist church in Eugene, Oregon. Her dad facilitated the group of students and I can no longer remember what we talked about or how many times I was there, but it was meaningful and has stayed with me all these years. . . .
Years later a group of women invited me to a discussion/book group at their church when we first moved to Duluth in 1978. That is another time I have lasting memories about because of my family situation and some difficult days! My dad was living with ALS and it was so hard to find the balance between caring for our young family and being helpful to my dad and mom. I felt support and affirmation when I really needed it. It was the hand of God guiding me through tough decisions.
I have been in the Ruth Gathering (circle) for over 40 years, which I joined because of the invitation. It provides fellowship and faith-filled sharing of experiences of all kinds and love and caring for each other. How we do learn from each other!
The best invitation was when my boyfriend invited me to his church in Corvallis, Oregon. It was a new experience for me, but I’m so glad I went. It happened more than 50 years ago – and I still come to church with that same “boyfriend” every week!
It’s about the invitation and my participation. These experiences highlight how God’s love has been carrying me along with the power I cannot find on my own.
God of open arms and warm embrace, thank you for extending an invitation to us in so many ways through so many people carrying us and empowering us for the life before us. Amen.