I Needed Church Today

We are five weeks into the Lenten season, and I just broke one of the things I gave up for Lent this year. I logged into Facebook.

For my non-Christian non-Catholic friends, Lent is the 40 days preceding Easter. My family isn’t Catholic, but like many other Protestants, I have celebrated this time by either sacrificing something or adding something to my life that I should be doing, but struggle with daily.

This year, I gave up Facebook and Twitter. Honestly, it hasn’t been that much of a sacrifice. I haven’t missed the snarky comments or the memes. I haven’t missed the Facebook and Twitter notifications that pop up on my phone constantly. I actually deleted both apps from my phone, and the jury is still out on whether I will download them again after April 12.

But I did log on to Facebook today because frankly, I just needed church. Not the judgmental church of my childhood – the one that told me not to question how the pastor interpreted the words of the Bible. I needed the church that I have found as an adult. The church that embraces my questions and sits with me in times of uncertainty – I needed that church. Because the only streaming platform they are using is Facebook Live, I broke one my Lent sacrifices a week early.

Last week when my friend, Mary Ann told me that she had attended digital church, I shrugged her off with, “I gave up Facebook for Lent.” But when I awoke this morning after one more fitful night of sleep or lack there of, I decided to “sacrifice” my Lent sacrifice.

And, it was worth it! I heard the words of the Bible come alive in the uplifting contemporary voices of the pastors. I sang songs I needed to sing. I prayed prayers that spoke to my heart. I felt hope and joy.

As we begin another week of uncertainty, whether it is related to health or economic concerns, my wish is that everyone can find a few moments of hope in whatever capacity serves them best. And, if you get the chance, listen to “I Wish I Knew How to Be Free” by Nina Simone.

Stay safe, well and connected, friends.

I wish I knew how It would feel to be free

I wish I could break

All the chains holding me

I wish I could say

All the things that I should say

Say 'em loud, say 'em clear

For the whole round world to hear

I wish I could share

All the love that's in my heart

Remove all the bars

That keep us apart

I wish you could know

What it means to be me

Then you'd see and agree

That every man [and woman*] should be free

I wish I could give

All I'm longin' to give

I wish I could live

Like I'm longin' to live

I wish I could do

All the things that I can do

And though I'm way over due I'd be starting anew

Well I wish I could be

Like a bird in the sky

How sweet it would be

If I found I could fly

Oh I'd soar to the sun

And look down at the sea

Then I'd sing 'cause I know, yea

Then I'd sing 'cause I know, yea

Then I'd sing 'cause I know

I'd know how it feels

Oh I know how it feels to be free

Yea yea! Oh, I know how it feels

Yes I know, oh, I know

How it feels

How it feels

To be free, Lord, Lord, Lord

*My addition to these beautiful words!