Walks with Barry - Profoundly Simple: A Walk Reframed

As this situation goes on and we are trying to get our mind around the idea that it will continue to go on for a good while longer, my young neighbor’s simple declaration speaks a profound truth. In some situations, under some circumstances, the task can really be that simple - and that challenging. For this moment, we are called to “just keep swimming”. Though I can’t swim, a condition even childhood YMCA lessons could not cure, I understan d. Like the disciples caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee with no option other than to keep rowing, we keep to the task. We face illness that devastates all our plans, we push on. We experience the devastation of the loss of a loved one to death, we keep putting one foot in front of the other because there is nothing else we can do. We face this pandemic and all the far reaching health and economic hardship it is bringing, we keep the faith, we hold on to hope, we live in compassion toward others. In other words, we just keep swimming. Remember

After all the big rains, I was hopeful that the children in my neighborhood would start anew in their sidewalk chalk messages. I was not disappointed. Today’s picture represents one of the new works. It struck me with how specific it is: “ I hope to see you soon Claire”. After a couple of weeks of this new routine, some of the messages have gone from general words of encouragement and hope to specific statements to individuals who are deeply  loved and greatly missed. I share these feelings. I miss my people terribly, and I see your faces as I write and even as I preach to an empty room. Absence certainly is making the heart grow fonder. As you think of someone you hope to see soon, as you see their face in your mind, why not pick up the phone or send them a message? Don’t wait. They might even need it more than you! Til we meet again, I love you church! -Barry Hughes

Imagine my surprise as I found this gesture of community a couple of streets over from my house. So simple. So gracious. So powerful. As I walked along, I continued to think of what my life would be like if I only sought what I needed instead of being so drawn to everything I want. What would the world be like? What would this crisis be like for others if we only took what we needed? Right now we WANT answers to so many questions. At least I  know I do. But maybe I should switch to praying about the answers I NEED right now, in this moment. Maybe it would lessen the anxiety. Maybe it would bring a little touch of peace. As I think about worshiping with you tomorrow, I am thinking about how thankful I am that God, even without giving me all the answers I want, has graciously given me all that I need. The presence of the Spirit. Forgiveness of my sins. New life, even in the midst of the storm. See you tomorrow on the screen. Peace. -Barry Hughes

Today’s picture makes me smile on many levels. Obviously this child has been getting good parenting in these days of staying home. “Stay well”. “Exercise”. “Eat fruits and vegetables every day”. But then, like a preacher who drives right past the perfect exit from a sermon, they had to share just one thought too many: “Don’t do drugs”. A good rule of thumb, but the meaning changes considerably when it becomes” Don’t do drugs - everyday”. As a pastor who is certain he has driven past far too many of those exits in my ministry, I feel a deep connection to this child. Just one more thing.... But their original message was sound and life-giving. It did not need one more thing. This sidewalk sermon calls me to stick to the original sound and life-giving message. God loves us all. Embrace that love for yourself and the whole world. Live out that love in all you do and say. Every day. Period. -Barry Hughes

What do I need? We are asking this question more often these days. For example, If we need to get out and go to the store, we are extra careful to make an accurate, all encompassing list. “Making a list, checking it twice” is not just about Santa any longer. I suspect that we are also asking that question on a deeper level than before. What do I need to be healthy? What do I need to be happy? What do I need to do for others? What do I need? An anonymous little neighbor gives us their answer, written in sidewalk chalk: we need buckets of grace. We need grace from God for our sins and shortcomings. We need grace for those around us, especially in tense, quarantined times. We need grace toward ourselves because the best we can is really all we can do. My father in the ministry told me a story of a particularly painful time in his life and the life of his family. He said that as he looks back, it was as if “God carried them through on a pillow of grace”. Buckets of grace to you this day! -

As I took my walk early this morning, the sun was bright, the birds were singing, the trees and flowers all in full leaf and bloom. Everything seemed, well, normal. But as we all know, things are far from normal. People have lost jobs. So many are sick and countless more fear becoming so. Some are separated from those they love who need them. Most everyone’s routine is out the window and there is an anxiousness, an uneasiness, in the land. So I pondered the constants in life. The sun does come up, every morning. We love and are loved by each other, even when we cannot touch. We are embraced by the arms of God, whether we can feel it at the moment, or even when we can’t believe it at the moment. As I walked I thought on these things and remembered the words of the great hymn that says, “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been thou forever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness! G

As I started my day today I was thinking and saying a prayer for us all. In the midst of this public health crisis, we all can feel overwhelmed. The loss of our livelihood. The fear of getting sick. The inability to be with those we love in critical times in their lives. On top of all this, “life” does not stop. We still are dealing with our daily issues, commitments and struggles. These are,indeed, the most challenging times. But today I hear the words of Jesus who promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. I hear the words of my favorite affirmation of faith which proclaims that in life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. These truths give me courage and comfort, help and hope. May they do the same for you. Start each day remembering these truths and love one another. -Barry Hughes