Reflection presented in Tertulia 2012: An Intimate, Transparent, Open & Honest Discussion About Sexism, Classism, Racism and ONA Issues.  This conversation was held by and for Council of Hispanic Ministries (CHM) New England Leaders.  The Topic was “I’m Hispanic, I’m UCC” 

Job 2:9-10 (NIV, 1984) His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Reflection I know that when times are tough God is with me, and when times are good God is still with me.  I can’t lie though, it’s easier to call out when times are rough than it is to be thankful when times are smooth.

‘You’re my servant, serving on my side. I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’ Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10 MSG

This morning I woke up tearful, and I could hear a voice that said: “Don’t Panic!” reading Isaiah 41:10 MSG on my churches wall (FB) was a heart cleansing reminder!  Maybe some of you are geeks like me and have read a Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy! If you have read it, don’t worry I always know where my towel is!!

“… a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: nonhitchhiker) discovers that a hitchhiker has his towel with him…the strag will think that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.” Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Chapter 3

 As believers, imagine if we carried the Word of God inside of us in that same way! We would know that we are always protected, cared for and loved; and those around us would realize that we are clearly a people to be reckoned with.

Because even though we lose our way, even though we lose our strength and our thoughts are not always perfect…Our God is still God and protects, cares and loves us! So DON’T PANIC & ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOUR TOWEL IS!

I am a Geeky Latina… and I am UCC!

 

Prayer God, thank you for always being there with me through the good and bad times.  Thank you because when I feel lost you continue to be my compass.  Thank you. Amen.

 

Elly is Minister of Discipleship at Manantial de Gracia “Spring of Grace” in New Britain, CT and a Cooperative MDiv student at Hartford Seminary.  She also serves on the Board for the Franklinton Center at Bricks in North Carolina.