From the Pastor’s Desk – May 2022

Dear Friends in Christ,

There’s a story about the Hall of Famer, Babe Ruth. Babe Ruth had hit 714 home runs during his baseball career and was playing one of his last full major league games. It was the Braves versus the Reds in Cincinnati. But the great Ruth was no longer as agile as he had once been. He fumbled the ball and threw badly, and in one inning alone his errors were responsible for most of the five runs scored by Cincinnati. As the Babe walked off the field after the third out and headed toward the dugout, a crescendo of yelling and booing reached his ears. Just then a boy jumped over the railing onto the playing field. With tears streaming down his face, he threw his arms around the legs of his hero. Ruth didn’t hesitate for one second. He picked up the boy, hugged him, and set him down on his feet, patting his head gently. The noise from the stands came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly there was no more booing. In fact, hush fell over the entire park. In those brief moments, the fans saw two heroes: Ruth, who in spite of his dismal day on the field could still care about a little boy; and the small lad, who cared about the feelings of another human being. Both had melted the hearts of the crowd. (Ted W. Engstrom, The Pursuit of Excellence, 1982, Zondervan Corporation, pp. 66-67.)

I suspect that Ruth did feel defeated at that moment but it was a tender and moving act for him to pick that boy up. I suppose that is what Jesus is trying to get across to us, at times. Life can deal us some pretty difficult blows, many of which we inflict upon ourselves, but if we love Christ, we’ll find a way to shake ’em off and help those around us. And maybe, just maybe, people will notice for once, stop their booing, and hearts will be changed.

A simple ministry of presence is a wonderful thing. Simple touch, a hug, a smile, and understanding nod of the head can be very powerful. We don’t need dramatic, life-changing words or stories to bring the love of Christ to someone.

Who needs a hug today?

Blessings to you all!

Pastor Cory