¡Gloria a Dios!
One of the things that I love the most about the culture of the church in Central America, especially here in Panama, is the willingness to verbally acknowledge God and praise Him whenever anything wonderful is mentioned. Whenever church members call on one another, they refer to each other as Hermano Helario (Brother Helario) or Hermana Betty (Sister Betty). When they talk about beautiful weather, their job, their family, their available time, it is almost always followed by a ¨Gloria a Dios¨ (Glory to God) or ¨Gracias a Dios¨ (Thanks be to God). They also greet and say goodbye with ¨Dios le bendiga¨ (May God bless you).
In the last week and a half I have found myself questioning why we in the U.S. have not incorporated this language into our spoken words or even our personal thoughts. Are we embarassed because it´s a little unfamiliar to our ears? Are we scared we will offend someone of a different faith? Or, worse yet, is it that we do not see every good thing as a direct blessing from God, see the man sitting on the pew next to us as our brother, or consider sending one off with anything other than sending them off with a blessing from our God, as requested by a brother or sister in Christ? What has happened to our being consumed by God and talking about Him (as was directed to the Israelites) all day long. At what point did we decide that our lives were too busy to speak in such a manner, or that people wouldn´t care. Maybe they would care if we took the time to train our mind and our words to flow in this manner.
Random, I know, but just something I have found myself pondering over in the last few days and something that I frantically working to incorporate in my daily communication.
We have begun reading with readers, and I wish that I had time to write about them all, but sadly, we have to meet our wonderful taxi drive, the Hermano Helario himself, in just a few minutes. Please continue to keep us and the work in your prayers, especially the new congregation in Las Brisas Del Golf.
Thanks for your emails, notes, and prayers. They are so very encouraging!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I certainly feel your heavy hearted feelings concerning the way we greet and treat each other here in the States. We are more concerned about our bank accounts and the fast paced work ethic we have all become way to familiar with. I will say at Northeast I have found many who are genuine with a strong love of the Lord and am blessed by there friendship and examples. I applaud you Jami for your forth rightness in speaking such a strong truth. Keep the faith and know by your example others will follow. Loving each other in word and in deed is the best of examples. Love you, Janie
Hi Jami, I am so excited that you are seeing this side of the church. Your ponderings are good and raise many questions for me...when did we stop saying Brother Jim here in the church? I remember always saying that as a child. As an adult I think we have lost that or have tended to use it for our older brothers...Brother Linton for example. Bring the good ways home, Jami! Love, Momma
Jami-I can't tell you how you have touched my heart in reading all your writings about these people. I wish I was young again, know what I know now, and could be with you doing the wonderful things you are doing for our Lord. You are truly blessed to be taking His word to these people. I know you are learning as much or more as you go thru this journey.
I am praying for you and Rachel.
Kathy Turner
Post a Comment