Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church

35660 Cedar Blvd Newark, California 94560
Phone (510) 793-1911 · Fax (510) 794-7292

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Pastor's Message

Pastor Barbara Caine

Luke 14:11
"For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Quite a long time ago, between the time I received a call to the ministry and actually went to seminary, I had a great sermon idea. I was mowing the lawn. Some of you may know that I dislike yard work. No, that's too tame; I hate doing yard work. Anyway, I was mowing the lawn and trying to occupy my mind so that I would not fall too deeply into resentment over the tiresome, hot, (poor me!) draining work I was doing.

I got tired of pushing the lawn mower, so I turned the mower around and started to walk backwards, dragging the machine behind me. After I'd completed a couple of rows it occurred to me that I was doing a much better job of keeping the lines straight when I dragged the mower. In my mind, I made an exalted leap of exegetical skill and insight (as I always do!) and realized that this lawn-mower dragging skill could be a good model for leadership. If one could be in the lead and at the same time keep a close eye on those behind you, your congregation could avoid many pitfalls because of such fine leadership (mine, of course!).

At the very moment that this amazingly discerning and hermeneutically perfect thought flew, fully formed, into my brain, I backed into a head-height low branch. After a stunned moment, replete with stars, I came back down to earth. Instant recall reminded me that " all who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted." I couldn't help but burst into rueful laughter as I heard God's chuckles ringing out, and his loving presence smiling right along with me.

Thankfully, between that branch and God's grace, I was humbled before God about what constitutes leadership, as I have been humbled many times about many things in many ways, yet, through it all, I have come to know that our God is always with us, often chuckling, ever loving, and consistently guiding us in all that we do.

Blessings,

Pastor Barbara
Real People - Real Faith - Real Change!