One famous preacher began each sermon with the prayer, “God, if these people knew what you know about me, none of them would listen.”  If I had the guts, I’d pray that same prayer.

But I know I’m not alone.  Week after week I listen to people share their stories…and too often they are stories of brokenness, pain, and shame.  I listen to people as they describe the struggle of carrying impossible loads…BY THEMSELVES!  I listen to people who avoid being around the church because they’ve messed up.  I listen to people who are afraid that if you knew what they were really going through, you wouldn’t want to be around them.  And then we all come together on a Sunday and hide our brokenness, thinking everyone else has it together.  It would be funny if it weren’t so true.

So if you are able to join us for a worship gathering this Sunday…or any Sunday, please remember this: There are no perfect people allowed* at Seneca Creek.  You may not want to spill your guts, or share your story with everyone around you.  But please, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of his church, don’t think for a moment that no one would understand.  Or care.  Because at one level, we ALL know what it’s like.  We all understand.  And we’re all learning how to care.  That’s precisely what Jesus had in mind when he created his church to be the light of the world.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

-Pastor Mark

*Which is the title of a very good book, too.