Laity make us cry....

Mitch and I are used to it....tears after we sing a song, or occasionally during or after a sermon. But there's nothing more amazing then when laity make clergy tear up. I've heard our work as clergy is to work ourselves out of a job. Here, at General Conference we see the progress of that. Stories shared where people have been transformed by Christ,from Africa to Alabama...we hear their stories. General Conference is a place where laity and their reason for being here inspires. Many give up work, are far from family and choose to learn about our complex system with open minds and hearts. This is sacrifice. I'm rooming with a laity and it is awesome to watch her experience this gathering for the first time. I thank Courtney for the sacrifice she and all the laity are making to be here. It doesn't make me cry, but brings warmth to my heart. And as I sit in the morning session, we are hearing young person, from the Phillipines, whose visa was denied...yet she, throug a live stream, is sharing her story of faith. It makes me think, when laity are empowered by the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world...it becomes the sermon we hear, the holy song for the clergy. It makes us cry. Your transforming story in Jesus, shapes my story and urges me on to make disciples. If you are a laity reading this, think about how you can make a clergy cry. Share your story, or how you desire to be transformed by Jesus Christ. For you are a true, living sermon...the living body...and I look forward to sharing more tears forming in my eyes as I hear what Jesus has done for you.