This is a blog title I’ve used several times and it’s a question I keep enasking myself —
Where is the church?
Ten years ago I was just another suburbanite Mom – complete with a mini van and two adorable daughters. I’d left corporate America to follow my dream of being a stay at home Mom and a writer. I loved my life, but I lived in a bubble – church, my girls’ school, and my sweet rural community.
One day I stepped out of the bubble and into advocacy work for abused children – talk about culture shock. I was stunned speechless and trust me that is truly shocking.
I found myself face to face with people who were drowning in a sea of drugs, abuse, and neglect – I had no idea…. at least that’s what I told myself and others.
But I knew better. I’d read about huge influx of drugs in our area. I knew spousal abuse was out of control and even law enforcement turned a blind eye. And child abuse? I’d heard the stories from educators, nurses and day care workers. So, I had more than an idea, I had knowledge, but chose to look the other way.
Looking the other way is just easier.
I don’t want to look into the eyes of a beaten and abused child and tell him he has to go home to his abusers.
I don’t want to help a women find her way out of an abusive relationship only to watch her return to him in few weeks or days.
I don’t want to help an addict get clean and watch her go right back into the addiction.
I looked away and assumed ‘they’ would handle it.
And then I became ‘they.’ Or at least one of them. And I needed help. I went to the logical place – the church.
And the church acted like me and looked the other way.
***************************************************************************
Over the next days & weeks I’m going to delve into the topic – Where’s the Church? I would love to have you join me.
Love it! My husband and I were having a conversation like that Sunday. It was about winning souls for Christ. We had a speaker at our church teaching us an easy method on how to win souls for Christ. I agree it was an easy way, but what we didn’t agree with, what happens after that. Okay, you met this stranger, you led them to Christ, and you walk away. They’re confused. You simple gave them a Bible and told them to read it. We as Christians know that alone doesn’t work. Back to your blog, Where’s the church? My question exactly. We need to disciple these people, not just win them over for Christ. I think I have some writing to do on my own blog.
oyyyeeeeeee
c’mon church!
LOVE this. . .