One of the most important things we can do as Christians, says Rev. Marty Johnston, is to love others openheartedly by our actions.
REV. MARTY JOHNSTON
Sault Ste. Marie: Central UMC
I was terrified as my pale, six-year-old body stood in the hallways of Community Hospital in Battle Creek. It was the month of April, and I remember seeing weather advisories on our television before we left home. I had never been in a hospital before and was surprised to learn this was a scheduled visit. I was about to experience what has become a rite of passage for people my age. My tonsils were going to be removed.
As I stood there trembling, waiting for my room, I was unexpectedly approached by a female housekeeping employee. She must have seen the fear in my eyes because she swooped me up in her arms and gave me the biggest hug, all while sharing words of hope and encouragement: “Don’t worry, Sugar, it’s gonna be all right, it’s gonna be all right.”
That memory, now more than a half-century old, still lives with me, maybe even more now than before. This was more than just a random act of kindness. I’ll go as far as saying that this was a deep and profound act that unpacked several theological truths for me. Isn’t it wonderful how simple things can carry so much meaning? This is certainly the case when we consider that our Lord chose to speak in parables, earthly tales with heavenly meanings.
This was not just a hug. It was a hug from an African-American woman. Prior to this encounter, my only exposure to people of color was limited to the news broadcast on television. Suffice it to say that my impressions weren’t accurate, but as a six-year-old boy, I didn’t know better. But I did know I had encountered genuine grace and compassion in unexpected ways.
St. Francis of Assisi is often credited as saying this truth: “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” Though these words were spoken long ago, they remain true and relevant today. We live in a society inundated with words. Words on television, words on the radio, words from a podcast, and words via social media. If only our world could be changed by words alone! If that were the case, we’d be well on our way to a better place. But we know better, don’t we? Instead of a better place, we’re on our way to a bitter place.
As United Methodists, we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We will not do that with words alone. A lovely folk hymn that came out in the 1970s declares that the world will know we are Christians by our love. If you ask me, I think that African-American woman at Community Hospital had this figured out in the 60s. She was willing to show that love across barriers of age, sex, and race. Her message was radiant, joyful, and clear: I would not face surgery alone, and I was loved.
I’ve served in three different appointments since 2014, meaning I’ve preached many sermons. But when I reflect on my ministry, I believe my most impactful moments haven’t had anything to do with my preaching or teaching. Instead, it’s been those moments when I’ve given someone a hug of hope and whispered, “Don’t worry, Friend, it’s gonna be all right.”
Last Updated on September 25, 2023