Nothing but Christ

 

Readings 083126

I was asked to become a deacon 

by the church, the people of my small community—  

and now I serve with other parishes,  

other congregations,  

other hearts seeking God.

I don’t worry about what to say,  

the Holy Spirit guides my words,  

and gives the witness others need.  

But sometimes—quietly—I wonder what people think.  

This accent, this drawl.  

This voice which is far from velvet.  

I can’t sing—my wife says I hit a note  

every now and then.  

I fight my weight,  

fight to find clothes that fit,  

and I wear suspenders  

just to keep my pants pulled high.

Yet Scripture whispers:  

I did not come with sublimity of words or wisdom.  

I came in weakness,  

in fear,  

in trembling—  

so that faith might rest  

not on human wisdom  

but on the power of God.

I’m not comparing myself to Jesus,  

or even Paul.  

But I remember what the people of Nazareth said:  

“Is this not the son of Joseph?”  

Even the familiar can carry grace.  

Even the ordinary can bear the message.

So I stand as I am—  

accent, suspenders, trembling voice—  

and I proclaim Christ crucified.  

Because God chooses the simple things  

to reveal His glory.  

And if He can use me—  

He can use anyone.

Prayer

Lord, 

You call the humble to speak Your truth. 

Let my voice, rough and real, carry Your grace. 

In weakness, 

let Your strength be known. 

In trembling, 

let Your Spirit move. 

May every word rest on the power of God.

Amen