Welcome to “The Wild Goose Chase!” The Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” because it was untamed and smarter than any other bird.

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Good morning, my friends! A few years back while serving in another setting, I had an epiphany, that is, I suddenly had a GOT IT moment! I was thinking about my time as a missionary in the Bahamas and some of the very special people there and I suddenly saw, in my mind's eye, the image of this tiny child who walked up the aisle during a sermon at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Dundas Town, Abaco, Bahamas. As she came, she held her arms up, seeking, without words, to be lifted up by me.

She was just about 2 1/2 a toddler, a Bahamian child of African descent who knew not fear, prejudice or worry, only that I was someone who had spoken to her and held her in the past. She came to me that morning, and I remember picking her up, while her mommy hurried forward, a bit embarrassed, to take her and return to her seat.

It made me think of all the times God has picked me up, and carried me just when I needed to be held, comforted and loved. Don't get me wrong, I am not comparing myself to God, but I am a disciple of the Risen Christ, and I WILL pick up and help carry the burdens of ANY child of God who God sends to me. And I believe that such a response is what Jesus is trying to get us to make when he reminds us that the greatest commandment is to "love God with all your strength and to love your neighbor as you love yourself."

So, if I may ... first find your way to Christ's side ... love God first, then stop the self loathing and start the self loving, and finally, LOVE your neighbor, don't judge, criticize, find fault at every little thing or whisper about each other.

Bring everything into the light of Christ where evil cannot survive. Do this, for nothing good dwells in the darkness and whispers secretly in evil and hurtful ways that is of God.

2 Corinthians 4:6 -- The Message (MSG) says: "5-6 Remember, our message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful."

Remember, God loves you and so do I, and all you can do about it is love back.

Still In One Peace,

Stephen