two weeks ago sunday, a lady named Rocky came into church. i was unfortunately out of town to witness this, but it came up in a leaders' meeting and i treasured the story. Rocky was apparently under the influence of drugs when she found her way into our small chapel. everette was just about to get up to preach when rocky announced that she wanted to say something.

everette, completely drenched in God's grace, stood next to Rocky, behind the little wooden stand, as Rocky gave her testimony. when she was finished, she took a seat on the first pew and everette looked at our congregation and said, "She just preached my sermon." they ended with prayer.

the amazing quality of the people in our church to accept and welcome overwhelms me, even as it has been extended to me and my family.

yesterday, Rocky came in to the chapel between sunday school and the morning service and said hello to all of her new friends. the service started and during praise and worship i looked over at Rocky and someone had handed her a tambourine. it was one of the most beautiful sights to me. she was banging it with her hands and smiling.

as we were leaving that afternoon, Rocky was stretched out on one of the pews fast asleep.

as i left i couldn't help but think, "this is what church should look like."

posted by Kelly @ 2:23:00 PM