Restoring Ruins: The Call to Heal and Unite (02/13/'24)*

Restoring Ruins: The Call to Heal and Unite "In a world marred by neglect and ruin, where many bear burdens too heavy to carry alone, and the paths of righteousness seem overshadowed by the deeds of those who preach but do not practice, there emerges a call to the humble and the healer. For just as Jesus reached out to the outcasts, not the self-deemed righteous, emphasizing that it is the sick who need a doctor, so too are we summoned not merely to hear the words of guidance but to act differently, embodying the teachings through our deeds. We are urged to bear with one another in love, embodying patience, gentleness, and selflessness, striving to maintain unity and peace that binds us together. In doing so, we become the rebuilders, the restorers of what has long been in ruins. Our mission transcends the mere following of directives; it calls for a profound transformation of how we interact with the world around us. By lifting the loads too heavy for one to bear alone, by healing the wounds of exclusion and neglect, we embody the spirit of those who rebuild on the old foundations, restoring the ruined houses not just as structures of stone and wood, but as sanctuaries of hope, healing, and unity. Thus, we are known not just for our words but for our actions, as the people who restored not only the physical ruins but the spiritual desolation, bringing forth a renewed community grounded in love, compassion, and justice." -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 13, 2024)