Thanks for the Memories:
Jesus on the Move in 1972, 2013...and Beyond!
Have you ever heard this saying? "People will forget what you tell them, but they will remember how you made them feel." The older I get, the more I see the truth in this statement. I can hardly remember much from last year, last month – even last week – without writing it down.
So I was dumbfounded when I saw PALMNY's Jesus March pictures from 1972. I do remember having taken part, but the details were fuzzy. I had not recalled that as many as 10 friends from my church (True Light Lutheran) had marched that day. And seeing me give a testimony in the last picture is definite proof that Jesus can empower us even when we are young, shy, or uncertain.
It brought tears to my eyes seeing these memories from 40 years ago come to life. This is a beautiful and unexpected gift because I saw not only the faces in the photos, but also God's face smiling in those pictures. And here's what I think God is smiling about:
1. When we use the talents God gave us, we rarely know their full impact on our lives. In 1972, we took part in the Jesus March as leaders, organizers, musicians, marchers; and there was even a photographer who did a great job capturing the exuberance of the day. Now, decades later, as I see these visual reminders of our young faith, I feel grateful beyond words for God who has loved, sustained, and continues to anchor us through all the ages of our lives.
2. There is a joy, a sense of belonging, and a purpose in taking action with a community of believers, whatever your age. You may even make a life-long friend because you share a love of Christ in common.
3. Some people say "I never look back. I only see the future." However, for me, PALM NY shows the beauty of engaging our hearts and minds in issues and concerns that are timeless. Thank you, Howard Chan and PALM, for creating a space where the Holy Spirit can work, to bring out the legacy of Asian American Christians in this place we call home.
-- Lily R. Wu leads the Lutheran Peace Fellowship's Women's Initiative, based in Seattle, to encourage churches with action ideas to protect and empower women and girls. She is a member of St. Jacobus Lutheran Church, Woodside, Queens.
So I was dumbfounded when I saw PALMNY's Jesus March pictures from 1972. I do remember having taken part, but the details were fuzzy. I had not recalled that as many as 10 friends from my church (True Light Lutheran) had marched that day. And seeing me give a testimony in the last picture is definite proof that Jesus can empower us even when we are young, shy, or uncertain.
It brought tears to my eyes seeing these memories from 40 years ago come to life. This is a beautiful and unexpected gift because I saw not only the faces in the photos, but also God's face smiling in those pictures. And here's what I think God is smiling about:
1. When we use the talents God gave us, we rarely know their full impact on our lives. In 1972, we took part in the Jesus March as leaders, organizers, musicians, marchers; and there was even a photographer who did a great job capturing the exuberance of the day. Now, decades later, as I see these visual reminders of our young faith, I feel grateful beyond words for God who has loved, sustained, and continues to anchor us through all the ages of our lives.
2. There is a joy, a sense of belonging, and a purpose in taking action with a community of believers, whatever your age. You may even make a life-long friend because you share a love of Christ in common.
3. Some people say "I never look back. I only see the future." However, for me, PALM NY shows the beauty of engaging our hearts and minds in issues and concerns that are timeless. Thank you, Howard Chan and PALM, for creating a space where the Holy Spirit can work, to bring out the legacy of Asian American Christians in this place we call home.
-- Lily R. Wu leads the Lutheran Peace Fellowship's Women's Initiative, based in Seattle, to encourage churches with action ideas to protect and empower women and girls. She is a member of St. Jacobus Lutheran Church, Woodside, Queens.