Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
Thank you for the time off last week. As some of you know, the weather kept me from driving to Texas, but my best friend, Kathy, from Seattle, who was meeting me in Texas, managed to switch her flight to Kansas City a day later. Even though our plans shifted multiple times, as I am sure many of yours did as well, I was able to savor some time with Kathy, Bill and our kids and grandkids. We even saw a couple of plays.
One of the things we did was to go to the Truman Library. Although I had been there once since its renovation, I still found many parts of Truman’s story and our country’s history that spoke to me. Kathy was also amazed at parts of history that she had not known. If you have not been, I hope you will make that a priority in 2026.
One of the things that I noticed was Truman’s ability to change his mind when his faith and the facts presented him with a different, even opposite viewpoint. Raised in Missouri, Truman had always accepted segregation. Both his grandparents had owned slaves, and he initially believed the races should be kept separate. In his earlier years, he was even known to make racial slurs.
This picture is one posted at the library and involves his initial decision to join the Klu Klux Klan. Initially he thought they were honoring the Protestant movement of Christianity, but he eventually saw their exclusivity of Catholics as being a problem he could not accept. It would be much later before he saw additional problems with the Klan. He regretted joining and withdrew his membership.
After WW II when black veterans returned to the United States and were treated poorly – even lynched, beaten, and one man blinded – Truman realized keeping people separate and not having equal rights and opportunities for all was a huge injustice and could not be tolerated in our democracy. He used his presidential power to try to create a country where all people were valued, protected, and given opportunities.
I started reflecting on how difficult it is for people to change our ways of thinking and acting. I think of people in the Bible like Saul, who became Paul, leaving behind his prejudice and hatred towards Christians and Jesus. I think of the woman at the well who had to learn to see herself as someone who had good news today, not just an outcast of her community. I think of… It really is incredible when the Holy Spirit speaks to us and transforms us from where we are to where God is calling us to be. It is nothing short of miraculous, especially if we are a bit stubborn or preferring to be right.
I think back in my own life to times I had to admit I was wrong and/or see things from a different point of view – hopefully leading me more towards God’s point of view.
There was a time when I was convinced I would never get involved with a man who already had children. (When you work with children and youth, you realize the Brady Bunch was more of TV show than a reality.) Then along came Bill Rose. I think of how I was certain I was to work in the financial world and make enough money to make a difference for those in need. I remember the day God helped me see ministry was where my heart was and where God created me to serve — not that there was or is anything wrong with working in the financial world, but it wasn’t where I was to be. These are just a few of the times that God has asked me to transform and helped me change my views and my ways. Perhaps you can think of some times in your life as well.
In Romans 12:2, it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Part of our faith is believing that God is at work in our lives, helping us to be the daughters and sons God created us to be. How are we doing at being open to God’s call to transformation? How can we be more aware of God nudging us with new views and facts?
Looking forward to reconnecting with you all on Sunday!
Pastor Donna