Caught Off Guard

Today is Pentecost.

Today a new community is being birthed into being.

Today, we experience a God who does NOT fit into our boxes, categories or the constraints of our binary male/ female language.

Today, God is wind.

Today, God is fire.

Today, God blows where they will.

Today, our young people prophesy.

Today, our elders dream dreams.

Today, we are caught off guard by the possibility of impossibility.

Today, Big Love comes, places their hands on either side of our faces, and says, “So, what’s your new name? And what are you doing with your big, beautiful life?” *

Today is Pentecost.

Today, “peace be with you” is the breath of God exhaled into our lungs.

Today, courage is the Spirit rising up inside us amidst our despair and fear.

Today, we rise on wobbly legs as the Spirit whispers—“Stand up. Do not be afraid.”

Today, we walk back into the world.

Deep peace and blessing,

Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith,
Pastor, Southpoint Church

*The bold words are two lines from a poem Maya Kostamo wrote and read on Sunday. Thank you Maya for this beautiful, generous offering.