when spiritual landmarks are torn down

I've been struck by the disturbing images from the war in Ukraine. The scenes of buildings falling to the ground and people falling to their knees have stirred the world up. Lord, have mercy.

Seeing homes, familiar places or historic landmarks falling to the ground carries a powerful image of loss. The landscape reflects the hearts that have fallen broken to the ground. 

In a very different way, I've notice our town's landscape is changing. Being a native of Greensboro, I've seen buildings come and go. 

I passed by Women's Hospital recently and noticed it's being torn down. All three of our kids entered our world there. It was strange to see it demoed. 

The Ballinger farm house also was torn down in recent months. That historic home stood proud at one of the oldest intersections in Greensboro. Revolutionary soldiers are thought to have been buried on the property.

I grew up driving by that old white house with the red roof and pretended I lived there. When I noticed it's absence the other day it was kind of sad. 

What about when familiar, spiritual landmarks are torn down? 
Examples of this could be:

- christian institutions not being what you had hoped
- famous christian influencers being caught up in scandal 
- the church being so divided over politics & theology
- christians being slow to listen and quick to judge  

As these divided houses fall to the ground, how do we move on?
I can only answer for myself.

1- Dive deep into the Gospels.  Meditate on the words of Jesus and let your imagination be re-storied. 

 2- Grieve well. It is sad to see spiritual structures come to to the ground. God is drawn to our disappointments and griefs big or small.

3- Process your journey with trusted friends. Our spiritual communities need to hold space for honest conversations. Stop the car, pull up on the site and talk about what once stood there for you. 

Jesus is drawn to broken hearted. He transforms death into life.
He said, “tear down this temple and I will raise it up in three days (Mk. 14:58).” That must’ve been a confusing comment to hear.  

So even though I’m sad with all the demolition, the next step is to be watchful for new life. 

I’m talking about the landscape of Greensboro and the landscape of our soul. Brokenness isn't generally wasted by God. Dallas Willard’s encouragement is spot on here, “God’s home address is at the end of your rope.”

I live in Greensboro but God lives at my brokenness.  Christ’s name is on the mailbox in front of yours and my deconstructed soul.
Be watchful for new life. Christ is rebuilding. 

These are incredibles truths that we can experience today and within our spiritual communities.  The  season of Lent is upon us and here's a few questions to consider as you approach Ash Wednesday:

What has broken down or burned up in your life in recent years? What do you imagine God reconstructing in your life? How might hope be reframed?

Love,
John
www.gracegreensboro.org