Courage
You will never have that courage.
The words stung. But, I knew this statement admonishing those who had remained seated in the pews instead of going forward for prayer was wrong. Completely and utterly wrong.
Sometimes it takes courage to sit in the pew. To just sit. To simply be in the pew.
Sometimes it takes courage to sit in the pew and protect others from slander and scrutiny. To preserve the terms and conditions of the situation no matter how unfair or undeserved. To practice love for those who should never have been the enemy, but are certainly being attacked by his evil influence.
Sometimes it takes courage to sit in the pew and endure that slander and scrutiny from those who have never heard the other side of the story. To ensure they won't because they have been unfair and are undeserving of sharing in the blessing when God Himself intervenes and reconciles the situation in His Name alone.
Sometimes it takes courage to sit in the pew because of what it took to get there. To intercede on behalf of the unruly who refuse to comply with daily demands. To remain calm amidst the calamity caused by what can never be cured and must be lovingly endured.
Sometimes it takes courage to sit in the pew and feel the surrounding air as the breath of God. To know He is sitting there, too. To believe in the never-aloneness of His ever-presence.
You will never have that courage.
How very wrong indeed!
Because of Him sitting alongside me in the pew, I already have it.