As I approached the front door, ahead of me were two men who appeared to be homeless. They were adjusting their backpacks. As I walked around them, I noticed an Usher standing at the front door to greet me. With the biggest smile, he greeted me with Merry Christmas, and directed me where to go. Once inside, I was once again, greeted by two other women, who were just as friendly as they handed me a candle and a program. In a quick chat, I had mentioned how long it had been since I was in the church, and both women showed such an interest.
As I entered inside the main church, I was compelled to NOT sit in the back like I normally would have done. Not knowing why, but my feet took me up to the third row! Here, I sat down, watched the band get "tuned" up, then stared at the back drop of the stage. My mind wandered to the many times I remembered sitting with my mom and dad...especially when it was time for all the children to come up out of Sunday School and unite with their parents.
The church filled... it was completely full...even a balcony that my little mind did not remember was there...Christmas service was now underway.
Rev Lisa opened with quite a sermon....during parts of her sermon, touched on some past events, and some present. It was amazing. Then, Rev Billie spoke of An older women, but yet very informative. They both spoke of the birth of Jesus, and how the travels of the journey between Mary and Joseph went. Once the story was over, it was time to light our candles and sing Silent Night. But before we did that, Rev Billie announced for those who had children, it was now time to get them and bring them up to join us...Flashback!!!! I totally envisioned myself coming from downstairs to be with my parents. I felt at Peace, at Home. I felt like I belonged.
After church was over, and we all exited the church, people were stopping and wishing Rev Billie and Rev Lisa a Merry Christmas. One by one, they each held and spoke to those that stopped. Finally it was my turn. I thanked Rev Billie and wished her Merry Christmas; I told her how it has been such a long time since I was in the church. She asked me why. I explained how my father had passed away, and how my mom moved us away. "Baby Steps", she said to me. Baby steps! I explained how this night I felt like I belonged, and how both she and Rev Lisa touched on things from my past. "Baby Steps", again she said. She did not want me to jump into something I might not be ready for. I understood, and I agreed to come back on New Years Eve..... I also learned that night, that Rev Lisa is Rev Billie's daughter.... which makes me wonder, was Rev Billie just a young girl herself, at the time of when my parents, my family came to this church many years ago? The timeline is right... the other Rev's name that was mentioned from years back seemed familiar.... but I don't know....
I suppose it doesn't matter. What matters is I made the first move. I made it over the "hump" in the road... It wasn't so bad....it was a journey I am glad I started. Believe, Peace, Love and Joy....Rev Lisa spoke of these on Mary and Josephs journey. She said to look for them in mine. I think I have found them, here in Unity!
