Seeking The Middle to renew…
In the span of a little over 24 hours, we were with friends who have celebrated over 50 years together and then other friends who were celebrating the marriage of their daughter. The latter was filled with other young people who met at a Christian Camp set in the mountains of Virginia near Roanoke. The outdoor celebration was perfect for any occasion, particularly in the extraordinary year of COVID-19. Standing under an enormous tree as they exchanged vows, we were all sitting in pods of primarily 2s and 4s spread across the hillside. At a certain point in the ceremony, the minister (without any sound equipment) had us all join hands with our family and remind ourselves of these vital relationships and touching (in every sense) that make a difference in the journey…
Another set of friend’s girls of 8 and 5 were enjoying dancing with the bride and others… and within the next 15 years, will be on the dance floor being the guest of honor. They were also raised in the church, where we met and discussed where things are with The Church. which has its own trouble journey through The Middle. My father-in-law gave his life to The Church which he credited with changing his life — likely it did. But he didn’t stop there – living through the Civil Rights era and the Chicago Riots, from an inner-city church with a vibrant congregation. Actually there were 37 of them — the number of languages spoken on Sunday Mornings. He attracted all that diversity, a new term, but not a new concept,under one roof- collectively and individually- to find The Middle.
… a season of celebration…
We are up to the 7th album from the Moodies, and ironically, the “next” album would be Seventh Sojourn. The rationale was that the first album was a “pop” group that sounded very different from the sound the core 5 found with the next 7 albums… and these 7 are the albums that most fans know about. This one is titled using the common words that match the acronym for the notes on the Treble Clef — EGBDF — Every Good Boy Deserves Favor. It starts with a piece called Progression that was a “history of music – up until now”. There are only 3 words – “Desolation”, “Creation”, and “Communication”. This is the last track to use the rapidly aging Mellotron, and you hear how great a guitar player Justin is. As with the track “Question”, this track starts fast with Hayward’s guitar lead break and Pinder’ scorching piano. Their focus on being able to play these songs well live is shown off in clips like this one from Red Rock in 1992, along with this one from 2000 at Royal Albert Hall with the whole symphony.
… of renewal and restoration…
The other area my father-in-law engaged with was support for Women in ministry. Much was written historically about the “rightness” of that leadership position, and you can find – well, given my focus this week – about as many on either side. He was unwavering – he supported it… early and often. And not just a nod here and there. He actively encouraged and supported them, including seeing one of his parishioners rise to the level of Dean of the seminary he helped save in the 80s. He engaged, sometimes fiercely, in ensuring all voices were heard — a lifetime commitment to The Middle and The Church’s renewing and restorative power.
Later in life, he realized he needed to make his own family a priority, and most of his grandkids never saw him other than as a grandfather. The picture on the left below is a famous one in our family. At the time, it was simply one of his granddaughters reaching up to touch her Grandfather. Little did we know that about 25 years later, we would see it in a different framing. Amie would hear the call to become a Minister herself, and we now know that picture as the passing of the torch. On the far right is our granddaughter — who, at only 3, was one of the cutest Flower Girls for a wedding in our family, and that couple is now expecting their first child. The Middle — is renewed — by each generation and our own commitment to it. Doors are now open to her and the next generation – our Children’s Children’s Children — that widened The Middle. The closing song for the week sounds like words of love and caution for the journey. Embrace your own role in The Middle… and find The Story in Your Eyes.
I’ve been thinking about our fortune
And I’ve decided that we’re really not to blame
For the love that’s deep inside us now, is still the same
And the sound we make together
Is the music to the story in your eyes
It’s been shining down upon you now, I realize
Listen to the tide slowly turning
Wash all our heartaches away
We are part of the fire that is burning
And from the ashes we can build another day
But I’m frightened for your children
And the life that we are living is in vain
And the sunshine we’ve been waiting for
Will turn to rain
When the final line is over
And it’s certain that the curtain’s gonna fall
I can hide inside your sweet sweet love
Forever more
Listen to the tide slowly turning
Wash all our heartaches away
We are part of the fire that is burning
And from the ashes we can build another day
But I’m frightened for your children
And the life that we are living is in vain
And the sunshine we’ve been waiting for
Will turn to rain
