We Are The Church

 We are the Church

The man in front of us has cancer. The woman next to him is a worried mess. Two rows behind us is a couple that has been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. A few seats to our left is a couple who just welcomed their second child home. To our right is a group of college students who pray for the world to change and wonder if they need to change their major. In the back is a man who recently retired after working for the same company for 35 years. Next to him is a family who wonders how they’ll pay for groceries this week. In front of them is a family who just made plans to go to Disney World for Spring Break. On the right side sits someone who voted Democrat. On the left side sits someone who voted Republican. In the third row is a high schooler wrestling depression. Her father, too. Behind them is an elderly man mourning the death of his wife. Next to him is an empty seat. In the middle of the church is a kid wondering why they are here and not at home playing video games. Near the back is a woman who wonders if any of this God stuff is true. Two seats down is someone who has witnessed miracles firsthand. A few rows in front of them is a couple contemplating divorce. Next to them is a forty-something praying for a relationship. Near the front is someone trying to stay sober and another trying to stay alive and another doing their best not to look at their phone. At the pulpit stands a pastor who prays for peace and mercy. And I, like so many, am tired, wondering how I’ll make it through another week. But together we hear of God's faithfulness. Together we sing of love and hope. Together we receive the body and blood of Christ. Together we remember Jesus is not dead, but alive. Together we pray, “God, give us today our daily bread.” Together we receive mercy. Together we are the church.

With Hope, 

Tanner Olsen