Faith in Action: Saint Luke and Saint Matthews Lutheran Churches in Maryland: Thank You

Yesterday I had the honor of meeting Pastor Marina, who ministers to two Lutheran congregations in Southern Maryland. These are Saint Luke's at 1519 Ballenger Creek Pike Point of Rocks, MD 21777, and Saint Matthew that is at 4004 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703. This was set up by "Angel on Earth" Michelle, and in no doubt was made possible by the glory of God. As many of you know, my five year old son Tommy passed away of a seizure related to his Angelman Syndrome Condition on November 4th 2009. The past year and almost a half, has been a painful journey, but it has been a learning experience of sorts. I am no longer angry at God, and feel that I have no choice, even as imperfect as I am, to do what I can to stop these seizures from taking another child or person far too early. Do I wish I had a medical degree so I could go through manuals, and understand the physiological parts of a seizure, and maybe provide me a few more pieces to the puzzle? Of course, but even as a simple man, who wears a uniform and a nametag, I have hope.

This is because of people like Pastor Marina, Angel Michelle, her family, and the folks at these two wonderful congregations. It is due to folks like "Brother Bill" who I met in that parking lot that fateful day, when I prayed and screamed at God with venom, that was only second to the night that Tommy passed away. There are two choices when faced with the loss of a child. You either give up, or fight on in the trenches. The second option, while not easy, is the best one possible. This is because it is "faith in action," which was the subject of two speeches that Pastor Marina was kind enough to allow me to deliver. I was greatly inspired by her congregants, their kindness, and they made me feel at home. If you are in the area, I cannot fully recommend either congregation enough, because what makes up a church is not the building, but rather the pastor and the people that attend. Here these churches shine, as Pastor Marina is a gem, and the folks that worship at these buildings are as well.

I would personally like to thank Pastor Marina, Angel Michelle and family, but most importantly God for making this happen. God is responsible for our interconnectedness as a community, no matter what state, or where we come from. Their doors were wide open, and for the congregants to be so welcoming, so enthusiastic, and also telling me stories of their lives when they've been challenged, left me feeling much better than prior to my arrival. It is difficult to speak in public, even when you are passionate, about a subject that causes you pain. I cried yesterday several times, but yet by the end of the day, I had a smile on my face knowing that "faith in action" is a reality. It is something that each of us is capable, and it does not require us to have an extraordinarily high IQ, work in a position of prominence, or have a lot of money. All it requires is having a heart, caring about others, and ultimately stepping in when necessary to help another person. Pastor Marina, Saint Luke's, and Saint Matthews Lutheran Churches certainly did this yesterday. May God bless all of them for their kindness, and provide them peace and blessings.