Down to the river

May 13, 2016 / By Cathy Hall Stengel

As I walked down to the Eastbank Esplanade to walk by the Williamette River, I found myself singing (in my head) the Jordan Felize song “The River.” The lyrics on my mind were -I’m going down to the river, down to the river, down to the river to pray.”

Today's plenary at GC2016 sent me down to the river in prayer. I walked passed some of the many homeless people- tents, sleeping bags, grocery carts, laundry drying in the sunshine. What would their thoughts be about our time at the Oregon Convention Center? The technologically savvy don't want to talk around tables (rule 44) and those whose first language and cultural experience is not our (USA) are asking for help. Those are over generalizations for sure. But we are so anxious we have used hours of time (which = money) talking about talking. Or talking about not talking.

Are we afraid of each other’s truths? Are we afraid we will lose control? I'm aware that many are watching us. Will we “do no harm, do good, help each other stay in love with God?” Will what outsiders see help them to find a place among us? Will the separated be reconciled, the homeless/house less be sheltered, the trafficked and hungry be fed, the gospel be proclaimed?

Let it be so, Lord, let it be so.

Still hopeful, prayerful, even joyful at times.