Transforming Lives Through Wisdom and Divine Inclusion (04/05/'24) -Statement

Transforming Lives Through Wisdom and Divine Inclusion We acknowledge the addictive nature of old, harmful habits and their capacity to lead us to destructive ends, acting as barriers to our progress much like a flat tire impedes a journey. Recognizing and altering these habits is essential for forward movement. Awareness plays a crucial role in our lives, moving beyond the innocence of ignorance to understand its sinfulness. By embracing the wisdom of being "wise as serpents and harmless as doves," as taught in Matthew 10:16, we navigate life's challenges with both astuteness and integrity. Our mission extends to those overlooked, lost, or deemed least significant, following the divine pursuit that none of these vulnerable individuals should be abandoned. This call for inclusive compassion is illustrated in the gospel parables, urging us to open our hearts and communities to everyone, thus creating spaces of joy and belonging. In a world that often prioritizes the temporal and conventional, we are reminded that the last shall become first and the first, last. This reversal of worldly standings emphasizes the importance of valuing every individual, especially those marginalized or ignored by society. By adopting this perspective, we commit to transforming lives through wisdom, compassion, and divine inclusion, fostering a more understanding, inclusive, and brighter future for all. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 5, 2024)