Central--From the Inside Out

The door opened for me before I even got to it Sunday morning. I was heartily welcomed into the building by someone 20+ years my age, who remembered to ask about my most recent trip.

After services, I was escorted to my car by someone more than 20 years my junior, yet with similar attentiveness.

At a committee meeting that afternoon, we were asked to relate a recent reading or scripture that was meaningful. Everyone quickly had something to share. Something they were excited about in their personal study—discovering the gospel message in Jeremiah; extra clarity on idols as counterfeits; the power of setting examples; personal instructions in James; an encouraging study on discipling. I soaked it in, encouraged by the genuine enthusiasm and love for the Lord these brothers portrayed.

There are people here truly seeking God—to obey Him, to worship Him, to love Him. That’s what clinched it for me to stay at Central after my trial run here several years ago. And that’s what keeps me here. A family in love with their Father.

I shared with the group about my study on prayer for an upcoming retreat. I don’t go it alone. I’m surrounded by a Central "cloud of witnesses" cheering me on: one editing a clip for me; another sending me graphics; others relaying testimonies I can share. All are giving freely. Of time, of thought, of faith. Because that’s what family does.

I ended the day around a table sharing physical food with my spiritual family, my Life Talk brothers and sisters, leading to a spiritual feast over conversations about and then with our Father.

A blessed Sunday.

That’s Central--from the inside out.
That’s family.
Praise to our Father!

~ Lisa