As you probably know, the great American writer, Carl Sandburg, spent the last years of his life on a lovely farm not far from Asheville. A television interviewer once asked this fine writer, “What, in your opinion, is the ugliest word in the English language?” Sandburg pondered for a long minute and repeated the phrase, “the ugliest word in the English language. . . .the ugliest word.” The audience leaned forward, waiting for his answer. Finally, Sandburg turned toward the interviewer, “The ugliest word,” he said slowly, “the ugliest word is … exclusive.”
To be excluded, rejected, or pushed aside is, indeed, one of the ugliest experiences of life, while to to be welcomed, accepted, and embraced is the most beautiful.
The reason some of us are followers of Jesus is that, even though others might reject us because of our faults and failures, he opens his arms and his heart to us. Others may leave us out and push us aside. He invites us to make our home–to find a place of belonging–in his love.
Amen! And you know what? Being inclusive is obviously an important value at FBCA. It’s not just a mission statement but is actually in the heart of and practiced by its members!
Mary P said…I have been a member for 21 years at First Baptist Church Asheville. When I Came to First Baptist it was from a total different practice of worship, a total different feeling of belonging to a church and belonging. That needs to be explained! Ok ,I came from the Independent Pentecostal Faith,which is different from your Church of God, Assembly of God and other organized Faith's in the Pentecostal Faith. (EXCLUSIVE)My story of the word Exclusive….I only felt I belonged if I looked the part on the outside,had a sad look on my face, that made me feel I was needed and the look of being HOLY ( not that my need for or that my need to be included were meet)but only for control of me(do as I say) by the Church's Minister's in Charge of THEIR congregation.
My My, what Freedom has come my way in the last 21 years here at FBCA,First I feel INCLUDED because of the Same Jesus I accepted into my Heart when I was 12 years old,,,,Jesus Included me with no strings attached.And here at FBCA what a JOY , no strings attached, just christian friendship,seeing and Feeling the same connection from others of Jesus Christ being lived out in its people and the ministerial staff here at FBCA. I myself first had to become approachable to the Folks at FBCA, I made that connection and have that feeling of being INCLUDED…. NO… our church is not perfect and neither am I. But Jesus is the SAME ALL THE TIME. What a connection!!. What a feeling of belonging. Coral said! Yes,,,in the Heart and Practiced by its members.Amen!!