Pastor Mick's Desk

Pastor Mick at work

I was blessed to meet many wonderful people from all over the world while attending United Theological Seminary. I learned many wonderful things about God and life from these people, and not all of them were my professors. One of them was a fellow student named Kathy. Kathy is more affectionately known as “the butterfly lady.”

Kathy can always be seen wearing a butterfly of some sorts. It is a special symbol of faith for her, and it would be best if she told you the story why. And Kathy is a storyteller. She is a member of NOBS – The Network Of Biblical Storytellers http://nobs.org. NOBS advocates all kinds of storytelling, but it especially commends committing the biblical text to deep memory by internalizing the text as images and feelings. In other words, knowing the text by heart.

“The butterfly lady” challenged everyone at the seminary to learn a particular passage of Scripture that had a wonderful effect on her life – Colossians 3:12-17. Read these words of advice and exhortation that Paul writes to the church at Colosse:

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (New International Version)

The reason “the butterfly lady” challenges people to learn this passage is obvious. Imagine what your life would be like if you knew these words by heart. Imagine what your life would be like if you internalized these words. Imagine living your life with compassion, with kindness, with humility, with gentleness, with patience, with the forgiveness of Jesus, with the peace of Jesus, with gratitude. Imagine living your life with love. Now, imagine living your life this way and being surrounded by others who live their lives the same way.

I would like to extend “the butterfly lady`s” challenge to you who are reading this. Read Colossians 3:12-17 daily. Say it out loud. Pay attention to how these words make you feel. Imagine these words working in your life. And find yourself being surprised by the way the grace of God is working in your life!

Grace, peace, and joy in Christ!
Pastor Mick