Broken Bones - June 16, 2025

Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 80; 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Acts 1:1-14; Luke 20:9-19

Three years ago today, the morning came as it always does. The day was probably a typical Alabama mid-June day, hot and humid with the possibility of a brief summer shower. To be honest I have no idea. I have no recollection of what happened in the hours leading up to what would change the lives of countless unsuspecting people forever.

I do remember exactly where I was when I heard the local news report there had been a shooting at a local church. I’ll never forget the panic I felt or the disbelief as my family along with many others gathered in the Publix parking lot, to pray and to keep vigil for the next few hours.

Of course, my memories are nothing compared to the memories of those who were impacted directly, those who were witnesses of the horrific act of violence, the first responders, or the family and friends that gathered at the emergency room waiting for news about their loved ones.

As I’ve been welcomed into the family of Saint Stephen’s the loss that was experienced that day, the pain that resulted and the heartbreak that continues to be manifested, has become incredibly personal. I treasure the joy I have experienced as well as the pain that has been shared with me, memories that continue to pay homage to the fractured hearts and lives.

As I read the reading from I Samuel for today and heard the heartache and misery Hannah experiences, the desperate way she turns to the Lord, pouring out her heart, her soul, I couldn’t help but feel her pain. Years of being barren, desperately wanting a child, of being forced to endure ridicule and bewilderment as to why God had seemingly turned his back on her feels so gut-wrenchingly real, a situation so many women face. However, she never loses faith, she never turns her back on God. She continues to look to God for support, for help.

Hannah’s pain and desperate pleas are a communal experience. As humans we all know these feelings, this desperation. They’re so familiar. The people of Saint Stephen’s know this pain, most likely some hsve felt forgotten by God, felt anger and a sense of abandonment. However, like Hannah this congregation has demonstrated a level of enduring faith that has brought fractured hearts comfort and shattered lives a path to wholeness and healing. I have heard bones that are broken, once healed are stronger than they were before. I think that applies to hearts and the Saint Stephen’s congregation as well.

May God continue to bless Saint Stephen’s with strong leaders, faithful witnesses and a spirit that refuses to see the evil in the world first but rather sees the glory and hope of God’s presence all around. May those hearts that begrudgingly resist to be healed, find comfort and healing and may we continue to look for the best in others and expect God’s presence to always provide hope.

Thoughts for Reflection: Has a traumatic event impacted your life? How have you recognized that event and taken steps to heal? If you are hesitating to seek help, what’s holding you back? There is help available. Contact one of our clergy, John, Katherine, Sally or Mary Bea. We can assist with information on local resources.

Faithfully,

Sally+

Thoughts for Reflection - Has a traumatic event impacted your life? How have you recognized that event and taken steps to heal? If you are hesitating to seek help, what’s holding you back? There is help available. Contact one of our clergy, John, Katherine, Sally or Mary Bea. We can assist with information on local resources