Lenten Devotional by Laura Litman
April 4, 2017
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as indeed you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
As a child I used to be terrified to speak in public. I still feel a little clamor of panic in the moments before presenting in a meeting, leading a discussion, or reading aloud. If you have any personal experience with me this may be a surprising piece of new information, as I seem to have no issue speaking up now, but it is true. The game-changer for me was growing up in the safe space of Edwards Church. Among other members of this congregation, I had Mrs. Kell and Sue in my 
cheering squad. They reminded me that I was loved for who I was and could afford to take chances. They let me know that I had a voice, that it was important, and had meaningful questions to ask and things to say, and that I should use it: clearly enunciating, making sure to project, and always, always remembering to speak slowly.
I took this foundation out into the world with me then, and I still do now. It’s the calm I call to mind when that little clamor of panic starts to rise up inside me and tries to swallow my voice. When I was in college, I wrapped it around me with the prayer shawl crocheted by Mrs. Kell. Often, it comes in a recitation of the Bible verse above, inscribed in my first Bible which I received here at Edwards so long ago. It’s an image of Sue nodding to me at the pulpit from back of the sanctuary, gently saying “Good, good.” It’s an energy that is recharged every time I lean into a hug from Mrs. Hart, pass the peace, or take the youth out into some service-oriented adventure reminiscent of my own adolescence. I feel I’ve been blessed to have this power source, this living sanctuary fueled from within our congregation for the whole of my life. I thank you all for that from the whole of my heart, every day.
A Grateful Heart
Dear Lord, I come to you with a grateful heart.
grateful for your love and understanding and
grateful for your ever-present Spirit which guides
my days and gives me peace in the night.
Stay close to me, Lord, and help me to live in your love.
help me to be grateful for everything you give me,
trusting that you know what is best for me.
Let the light of your presence shine in me, so that I
may show your abundant love in all I do.
(Prayer taken from a card sent to me by Mrs. Kell years ago. I have taped it to the bedroom mirror in every place I have lived since. Picture shown.)