Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong
-Lyrics from the song “ Stained Glass Masquerade” by Casting Crowns
“My problems are too big ...my sense of self worth so small….my fear so overpowering. My reality is so different from those around me. ‘Good morning, how are you doing?’ With the effort that comes with denial, I simply reply, ‘okay.’ But I am definitely NOT okay. But what WOULD everyone think if they really knew what I am dealing with? “
I have no doubt that there are many of us who have experienced these thoughts at some point in our life.
But what an irony it is. During his ministry, Jesus was always hanging around with “them…..the others,” the sinners and the hurting. When the Pharisees saw Jesus having dinner with a bunch of tax collectors (they were even less popular then than your friendly IRS agent is today!), they asked the disciples, “Why?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
So why is it that we put our masks on in the very community where we should be able to seek help?
I think our fears of judgment and rejection coupled with the really distorted idea that we are the only person with a hurt, hang-up, or habit in the entire congregation prevents us from being ourselves….which in the end separates us from the genuine community that we so desperately need to connect to.
But there is a place where you can fellowship with others who are hurting. An incredibly SAFE place where you don’t need be afraid of others judging you because of your hang-ups or your habits. A place where you can learn about a God who loves you unconditionally, who desperately desires to be close to you so that he can heal you. That place is Celebrate Recovery, a ministry that Hillside has joined along with over 10,000 other churches world wide.
Celebrate Recovery has ministered to over 500,000 individuals since it was started at Saddleback Church over 19 years ago. The program utilizes the biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally. It is built around small group interaction and the fellowship of a caring community.
If you, or a friend or family member need healing from any hurt, hang-up or habit, we encourage you to visit. You will feel a sense of belonging and acceptance no matter what your circumstances are. For more information about Celebrate Recovery contact any of the following people:
Pastor Bill Rierden