Recently, while attempting to visit a sick person at the hospital, the attendant at the front desk told me the patient had already reached his limit on the number of visitors he was allowed for that day. But just the same, she asked me if I could give her a reason why she should allow me to receive a pass to go see that individual. I said, “Well, I’m his pastor.” She said, “Oh good! That is all the reason we need. We like pastors here. We need more of you.” And at that, she gave me a sticker that said: “Spiritual Caregiver” and sent me on my way. That was uplifting.
As I submit this column to the newspaper, it is one day after the Green County Board of Supervisors voted 17-14 on a resolution to make the month of June, Green County LGBTQIA+ Pride month. I was at the meeting and another earlier meeting at the Human Services Department leading up to this decision. There was very emotional debate on both sides of the issue at both meetings.
When I go to visit someone in a hospital, I have found that I am generally welcomed with open arms and what I share about life and death are received in earnest. I take great satisfaction in being a spiritual caregiver. In contrast, at these government meetings, I have found that the spiritual care I have to offer is not necessarily wanted or received. At the Health Department meeting, when I had my opportunity to speak, I heard some muffled laughter and ridicule from others in the audience when I framed my words in the context of the Scriptures. At last night’s meeting, in remarks prepared before the meeting, one of the supervisor’s said that people were forced not to attend because of the hate in the room. However, from my standpoint in the audience, I saw nothing but love — on both sides — love for people and wanting what is best for the people of Green County regardless of who we are. We exchanged friendly greetings. We sat together in the same room, in the same rows even. And we politely chatted with one another prior to the meeting. Nobody was hating on anybody.
From my perception, everybody needs acceptance and affirmation, but the disagreement is about where that acceptance and affirmation comes from. On the outside, one can be embraced, affirmed, and accepted, but that embrace and affirmation and acceptance will always be fleeting, and the person will always be empty because ultimately, the only acceptance that is acceptable to the human soul, is acceptance by God. And the only way to acceptance by God is through Jesus Christ.
From the floor, we heard opinions that differed widely. Two different ideologies were being played out at that meeting and are being played out in our culture every day. I pray for our leaders from the local level to the national level and everywhere in between that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And God’s will is being done. All of history points to the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that Satan is the prince of this world, but ultimately, Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For that I am thankful, knowing that all things in life are temporary, but God’s eternal Kingdom is forever.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Kevin Cernek is senior pastor of Martintown Community Church.
