Kindness Out From Behind the Pillars
Sitting behind the old church pillar, in a large and lively London church, I could listen and observe and choose not to come out and play or even make friends. With all my heart, I knew God could see me. I just didn’t want anyone else to. Those were the days of filing out after a service through the main door. We shook hands with the Vicar. Often I’d shake hands with him three times on a Sunday. One such Sunday, the Vicar stopped me. “Were you here earlier?” His gentle eyes crinkled with wisdom. “Yes,” I answered as if I’d been caught sneaking into a country club where I hadn’t paid my dues. “ The music is so healing and I need to hear your sermon several times before I get it.” “Oh bless you,” and he took my hand in his two hands and smiled right in my eyes. Eventually I picked up a leaflet or two about mid-week activities. These weren’t the sort of events where you had to hide your struggling self. Some Christian events can be all about having a picnic, getting to know...