Faith is the assurance
of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. . . . By faith we
understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is
seen was made from things that are not visible.
Hebrews 11:1,3
Saturday some Baylor University students and I planted a
special garden on the Wesley Foundation grounds. We set out tomato, cabbage,
bell pepper, oregano and marigold plants with youth from Mount Zion United
Methodist Church, who live in one of the worst zip codes for child welfare in
the U.S. Then we potted plants for them to take home to nurture.
Each of the children and youth Mount Zion is reaching out to,
through tutoring and other connections, has already faced substantial challenge
in life. But that congregation and some of us at the Wesley Foundation have
faith that God can raise them to triumphant life.
A dear friend, knowing my love of growing things, gave me a
plaque that says, “A garden is a sign of faith.” I can plant seeds, but I
cannot make them grow or blossom or produce fruit. I can only cooperate in what
God does. Putting seeds or plants in the ground requires faith that the word of
God continues to bring forth beauty and goodness in this world God’s word
prepared. I pray those plants will be signs to those youth of our faith in what
God can grow in them and that nurturing their plants will put them in touch
with the God who seeks to heal them, strengthen them and draw them forward.
Katie
No comments:
Post a Comment