You may have noticed that my normal column in the Spire is titled “Between Here and There.” It’s just a small nod to the paths of life we walk in our shared and unique corners of the Kingdom. There’s lots of life between where we are and where we are headed! But, for these few paragraphs I’m going to set my focus a bit more precisely. I’d like to consider “Here.” Westminster.

You likely know that I routinely have the chance to sit with groups as we share our experiences and learn from one another. Men’s Group, Parent Confirmation, and more recently the Teen & Parent Mental Health Series as well as the brand-new Couples’ Group. We share our experiences, we share our wisdom, and we are strengthened by the bonds and companionship of collective experience.

In just these past few weeks I’ve been struck that so very many conversations are born out of difficulty, pain, struggle, and failure. We come together to share not only our greatest victories, but also our wounds and our sorrows. Somehow, these conversations don’t feel painful, though. They feel redemptive.

In one of these many conversations, as one member shared an experience, I had an undeniable sense come over me: “You’re surprised by your own comfort.” It was as if, for the first time, sharing a story of pain and hurt was suddenly triumphant. A step forward in what has felt like a long series of retreats.

It makes me think about the words in Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Imagine that. A feast with a seat of honor in front of what had previously felt like grave danger. Every once in a while, we get to stare down the dark shadows of our lives with courage. Every once in a while, we get to sit at the table of victory in full sight of our wounds. In my experience, those moments happen when hope shows its face. When we are surrounded by community and grace. When love supersedes judgement.

Those moments happen here. There is hope here.

I hope that you’ll join us.

– Ed Sutter