Check out the vistors table in the narthex of Woodforest Presbyterian Church – we have bracelets to share!
It began with blue bracelets from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (www.pcusa.org/pda) saying Out of Chaos – Hope! In 2008, we would have been hard-pressed to replace our Ike-damaged roof, but the needed repairs were funded by the Presbyterian Disaster Relief network of One Great Hour of Sharing. Through our connectional church, a shared faith, and the generosity of many, many people – out of the chaos of the storm we had been given hope and comfort!
Next came the purple bracelets advocating a Complaint-Free World (www.complaintfreeworld.biz ) We all know that we should speak in words that build up rather than tear down — but it is so easy to slip and forget. A Kansas minister challenged his congregation to go three weeks without complaining, and the idea has caught on world-wide. Simply put the bracelet on either wrist and every time you complain — switch it to the other arm. The goal is to go 21 straight days without complaining or switching the bracelets.
Now we have the yellow bracelets from Lance Armstrong, urging us all to LiveStrong (www.livestrong.org). Given the stresses of modern life, we all need to remember that a healthy, active lifestyle is crucial to our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The Christmas season wristbands rejoiced by saying Noel. Our Easter bracelets carried the simplest and greatest commandment of all: Love! Now we have green bracelets carrying an international message of hope and peace: Not On Our Watch – Save Darfur. (www.savedarfur.org)
Each of these bracelets is meant as a tool for personal spiritual awareness, thanksgiving and growth. So share a bracelet! Spread the word!
Because out of the chaos that is life — there is hope in the love and grace of God.
