17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
After we married in 2014, my wife and I chose to make Arborlawn our church home for many reasons. We had just found out we were pregnant with our first child, and so many things were new and exciting, but we knew a strong foundation in a church would guide us through our future together. Fast forward 4 years and the future unfolded in ways I could not have imagined. We have 6 years of marriage under our belt, 2 beautiful boys and I’ve found an amazing work home at Arborlawn AND been blessed with the most amazing brothers and sisters in Christ to share my family’s journey with. When we were called to be members of Arborlawn, we did not think about its past or achievements in ministry. The people, their generosity and their hospitality drew us in, as well as the future we prayed to have here.
These days, we are fighting a fight of distance, indifference and miscommunication due to a virus that forbids us to gather and share the strong spirit we have as a family united. This enemy is formidable and strikes out at more than just our immune system. However, as I have spoken to more and more members of this family, the same truth rings clear. We believe in this body Christ has called together. There are those of us ready to push forward and take back our normal routines and missions we carry out so well, while there are others who strive week in and week out to be creative and still fulfill their ministry while separated.
When we come out of this, we will have found a new strength we never knew was in us. A new resolve that will allow further vision of the path ahead. The path of followers of Christ and of a larger body that cares deeper because we have suffered deeper wounds. I no longer rest my faith in a building, but in an Arborlawn people that Christ has empowered to carry His love to their neighbors, to wear His message as an armor against the falsehoods of this broken world and to bolster those that suffered. The future of Arborlawn lies within us, its people, to rally no matter the cost of the fight.
Written By: Matt Morrison