“Commit to the Journey: Reach Up” by The Rev. Stephanie Kendell

March 21st,2019 Categories: Stephanie Kendell Letters, Weekly Letter


Beloved Church,

I hope this week finds you healthy and your spirit fed. Last Sunday was such a wonderful week of worship and fellowship and I have carried that spirit with me all week. This Sunday you are invited to SoulFood Fellowship and the LatinX gathering. Both incredible ministries that will help you develop and practice new ways of growing your relationship with Christ.

Last year I got to go see Michelle Obama speak on her book tour. It was incredible to hear about her early life in Chicago, her hard work in Law School, her faith journey that was still ongoing, and her discernment to follow passions in her life. As one would expect, she was very inspiring. As we left the venue there were things to buy with her face, her name, and quotes on them. As I looked through the keychains, t-shirts, and mugs, one quote was flying off the shelves, “When they go low, we go high.”

This week as I read our scripture and I prayerfully listened for God to speak to me through these words, this Michele Obama quote rang in my ears. Does it do the same for you? Let’s read this week’s scripture from the book of Isaiah.

6 Seek me, God, while I may still be found, call upon me when I am near! 7 Let the corrupt abandon their ways, the evil their thoughts. Let them return to God, and I will have mercy on them; return to God, for I will freely pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways, my ways,” says God. 9 “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9)

I generally try to not use high and low language when I talk about God. That is because I believe God is everywhere. Above, below, and everywhere in between. However, this high and low language is helpful when thinking about overcoming earthly challenges that seem to be in our way. When something stands in your way, when there is a roadblock on the ground, the only way to go is up. High up. Up is limitless. Up is filled with possibilities that aren’t conceivable on the ground. Up is with God.

So, friends, this week when confronted with the woes, the ills, the messed ups, the no good enoughs of life, reach out to God and go up high. And in that space of freedom, that space where possibilities are endless, that space where you have reached up to God, remember to also reach back. Reach back… and lift others up with you.

Shalom Y’all,
Rev. Stephanie

A quick prayer for your week: Lord, lift me up so that I can do the same for others. Amen