Rita's Reflections: Many inspire my faith on this journey
It’s been an interesting year and a half writing about my life and sharing some unusual musings. I never set out to be controversial, only weird and mildly entertaining. I may have hit the trifecta.
Before I get started, I have a correction to make. In an earlier column, I gave Pastor John Pavlovitz credit for coining the phrase “Born Again Lazy.” The credit rightfully goes to Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon the authors of “Starving Jesus."
Gross and Mahon issue the challenge to get out of the pew, talk less and act more. In other words, practice what we preach.
Many inspire my faith, but none more than a woman I’ve never met. Pastor Heather Boone is the real deal according to those who know her best. Boone gave up everything to answer God’s call. Who among us would do the same? I know for certain I am too selfish.
“Super Christians” another phrase coined by Mahon and Gross, are the Christian cops. They throw the word of God in your face while baiting you into a public debate. They describe Super Christians as adding nothing new to the landscape other than repeating why they are right, and you are wrong. They claim Super Christians serve no purpose other than dividing Christian against Christian, and they often make that their life mission.
I would rather be slapped silly by a Super Christian than look like a jerk to Jesus. The latest slap came from a smug filled Bible thumper after I posted my admiration for Pastor Boone. His ignorance was palpable when he quoted scripture from Matthew trying to insinuate Boone brought lawlessness to our community. What he doesn’t realize is he sounds like the spokesperson for the born-again lazy. Pastor Heather Boone is filled with light, I doubt that guy could keep a match lit.
Mark C gives me great feedback on my musings and shared a quote from Vicar Derek Kubilus author of "Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation": “It seems to me I’d rather be known as heretic who believes in an overly generous God than as a fully orthodox disciple of damnation.”
Vicar Kubilus speaks my language.
Today’s topic was influenced by a white man late 30 to mid-40s working at Audie’s Restaurant in downtown Mackinaw City. I told him about Pastor Boone being run out of town for her vision to help those who don’t have the things most of us do — a home — a full belly — a warm bed. When I finished the young man looked incredulous and asked one thing, “Why did they do that to her?” That is the question I may always ponder. God only knows the answer.
My friend Brittany is not from this neck of the woods. After seeing the hullabaloo over Christmas in Ida last year, she said it’s a shame that Pastor Boone’s vision never garnered the attention and support like the once-a-year festival does. I am bit curious if that is Jesus’ perspective as well.
It isn’t just me who thinks we had the spirit of Mother Theresa living in our midst and blew it big time. Boone left Monroe with her head held high while some should hang their heads in shame.
A beacon on a hill cannot be hidden, it just finds another hill to shine from. At least we have the twinkling lights of Christmas in Ida until God sends us another beacon. I pray he does.
Food for thought taken from James 2:14 — “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him?” I don’t think so, but others preach differently.
In loving memory of Gary Ross.
— Rita Wyatt Zorn is a wife, mother, grandmother and lifetime Monroe County resident. She can be reached at 7.noniez@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Rita's Reflections: Many inspire my faith on this journey
