“Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.”― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out
In my previous
church, I was that church lady who did everything, until one day she couldn't do it anymore. My heart was breaking over a painful situation, one that was affecting everything in my life.
I was sick and in need of repair. There was no conflict that had me leave our church of 32 years, I just needed to step out and heal in a new environment. With my husband’s and pastor’s blessing, I began going to a church
down the road. It is here God has been healing my brokenness.
I cannot adequately describe
how abundant God’s grace has been to me these last two years. The situation
which caused so much chronic sorrow has not changed. But I have.
A large part of my healing is going to Celebrate Recovery that meets Thursday nights at the church. Our friend, Mark, stays with Dave so I
can attend. A faith-based 12-step group for people recovering
from addictions and other life struggles, Celebrate Recovery has been transformational
for me.
It would seem I
wouldn’t have much in common with a group of mostly men half my age. My issue isn’t addiction, but I am just as much in need of recovery. When
it is my turn to introduce myself, I am tempted to say, “Hi, my name is Jacci. I am a
recovering church lady.” Usually I just say, "I'm a grateful follower of Jesus Christ."
I’ve been in and led a lot of Bible studies and small groups over the years, but this is the most genuine,
transparent, and caring group I’ve ever experienced. I am humbled by their love. When I look around the room, I see what church should look like. A hospital for the sick.
Sometimes in church, it
seems our value is how much we can do and contribute. Right now I got nothing other
than tears to share. I’d like to be more involved, and one day I will
be. People in the church
tell me I have enough on my plate. "You don't need to do anything. Just come."
I cannot express my gratitude.
The sign that hangs outside the church. It was made by Wayne, a kind and gentle man who often says, "Church is a hospital for the sick."
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