“Life in the Mess: Theology of Forgiveness and Reconciliation”. (Course x2 Yes!)

I’ve been wanting to retake or audit this class ever since I took it the first time way back when I began my seminary journey(2008?) as a part time student. I consider it God’s perfect timing in retaking this now.
Topics include:
“Cheapening of forgiveness”, “Contemporary Models of forgiveness”…

Compassion literally means “to suffer together”. This month, this year- there is just so much suffering. It can be overwhelming at times heh? I don’t have all the answers- but I believe in my Creator who does. There is a verse that says to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and to “mourn with those who mourn”). Some translations say “weep with those who weep”).

Many of us have had a lot more alone time during this pandemic than we’ve ever experienced in our lifetime. I’ve chosen to see the silver linings that can happen in these challenging circumstances when so much is out of our control. I have had friends say too how this has been their own personal reset of some sort to reprioritize their lives and try and get off the rat race where possible. For myself as well, I have appreciated more time to process what I am called to and what I am not called to.

How many of you miss actual hugs- not just virtual ones? I bumped into a friend at the mall on Thursday, and as we dodged the directional mall traffick arrow stickers on the ground, I was reminded of our need for connection. “I am so over this ‘air hug’ business, and she replied,” I know- me too, that’s why I didn’t give you one”. We texted each other and are making plans to meet up.

As much as this pandemic has robbed our world economically, physically, relationally, there have been some positive outcomes this past year. For starters, many are slowing down from the rat race, evaluating more what we value, and prioritize those things which include our dire need for connection. We were never meant to live life alone.

Your Love Story-Understanding God's desire for us to love and be loved by addressing our own personal stories. Learning self-love on our journey of restoration.

‘Tis the season to celebrate (SOMEHOW), together during a pandemic. A HOPEFULLY once in a lifetime experience. This year as I lit the advent candles in my own home leading up to Christmas, I was struck with some of the lessons humanity is invited to learn, (or relearn), especially during these challenging times. Romans 12:12 encourages us to be ‘joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer…” As we do, may we grow in hope, peace, joy, and love as true growth begins in the heart..

Reconciliation is a broad topic and it is also complex. When we lay our soul before God in prayer we are pressing into the right relation of allowing God to be God and for us to pray as Jesus asks us to pray for His Kingdom to come and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven… I live in Saskatoon, SK Canada. We are known as the “City of Bridges”. When I see bridges each and every day, I am reminded of how God sent His Son to be the bridge to reconcile us to Him through the power of the Spirit. He then also calls us to be the bridge to others. We can be counted as one who of many throughout the generations who are building and restoring. (Video/ image of Saskatoon City of Bridges shared with permission by Java Post).

I went for a walk with my friend Deloris in Victoria Park which hosts Saskatoon’s youngest landmark sculpture: the “Coming Spring” which speaks to rebirth and change. Rich with symbolism, its visitors are encouraged to reflect on the need for reconciliation. The sound from the chimes is intended to evoke emotions, thoughts, prayers. It can be a time for meditation as one reflects on past or present harms that require restoration and reconciliation.