In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending.
There’s a season for everything
and a time for every matter under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dementia is something that has probably touched all of our lives by now. Much like cancer. And like cancer 30+ years ago, people are cautious, even secretive in talking about it. There is sometimes embarrassment, grief, fear, and even shame around it.
Which is why I was so impressed about two years ago when newcomer Bob told me straight out, “I have early Alzheimer’s.” I knew he’d been coming alone, had a background in media production, and was already offering some helpful advice on our livestream. I was impressed by his forthrightness. I said, “You’re the first person to be so straightforward with me about this.”
Bob, his wife Deb and I had some heartfelt conversations about his dementia, their plans and their fantastic, honest approach to it all. We thought he’d be gone or severely fading by now. But he’s still here, coming regularly to worship, with his wonderful wry sense of humor and full awareness of his fading mind. He even got a hip replacement! He recently joked that his worship buddy Barbara won’t let him go. I’m inclined to believe that the love and vibrancy of our community has helped him.
Talk about bravery! It seemed like their story and perspective needed a broader audience. And this Sunday, they’ve agreed to “step up to the plate,” in the words of Episcopal Bishop Budde (reference here). Bring your hankies and tissues, folks. It’s going to be real. And inspiring.
As the wisdom writer Qoheleth put it, there’s:
a time for crying and a time for laughing,
a time for searching and a time for losing,
a time for keeping and a time for throwing away,
a time for keeping silent and a time for speaking. (from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
In faith,
Kent
How We Learn To Be Brave series
June 29: Adam S. — taking a leap of faith with vocational change
July 6: Amy Norton-Benfield — loving bravely
July 13: Miriam C. — defending others
July 20: Wendy W. — helping immigrants, followed by a presentation and Q&A
July 27: Koinonia M-P — standing in our power
August 3: Bob C. and Deb S. — facing dementia
August 10: Marwan H. — being Muslim
August 17: Nathan D. — finding God amid life’s sorrows
August 24: Peter R. — rescuing a stranger and telling the story
August 31: DJ H.
