Emma Rankin Blog #6, July 26
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to be a chaplain over this past summer. I have been able to connect with the interns and with my supervisor Katie to form a small community. This has been different from what I have been used to in the past. For me, community formation used to be very face-to-face interaction. But through Zoom, we have been able to do what seemed impossible. This does not mean it was not difficult. There are some difficulties, Zoom is not a perfect platform. However, just like face-to-face interactions, online interactions can have power and meaning in them even if you can't readily see them. While being a chaplain for the interns I often think of biblical characters who show me what it means to be a chaplain.
One of these characters is Moses. Now to say that Moses is a good example of a biblical chaplain is not to say that he is perfect. But he can help us better understand what it means to lead people. When the Israelites called out in pain to God, God called Moses to set them free. When Moses encountered God and was given his mission Moses does not believe he was qualified. This happens for many of us. We are often called by God to do something that we don't think we should be called to do. But God does not call perfect people, broken people are the ones who are called to do God's will.
Once Moses understood that God was with him and would provide all he needed, Moses was determined to be used as an instrument for God's purpose. When Pharaoh refused to let Israel go Moses did not falter but kept persisting. This is another trait of a good chaplain. Even when things are hard you continue to do the good work of God knowing that you will be lead to the land of milk and honey. Even if it takes time you persist.
Another good trait is that Moses does his best to lead the people to God. God gives Moses the laws and Moses does his best (with the help of God) to turn Israel into a holy nation. There are moments when the people falter, like when they worship the golden calf. But Moses tries his best to lead them to holiness. As a chaplain, you are to lead your people to God and holiness even when they falter. I hope I continue to be a good chaplain and a good leader to those I meet in the future.
One of these characters is Moses. Now to say that Moses is a good example of a biblical chaplain is not to say that he is perfect. But he can help us better understand what it means to lead people. When the Israelites called out in pain to God, God called Moses to set them free. When Moses encountered God and was given his mission Moses does not believe he was qualified. This happens for many of us. We are often called by God to do something that we don't think we should be called to do. But God does not call perfect people, broken people are the ones who are called to do God's will.
Once Moses understood that God was with him and would provide all he needed, Moses was determined to be used as an instrument for God's purpose. When Pharaoh refused to let Israel go Moses did not falter but kept persisting. This is another trait of a good chaplain. Even when things are hard you continue to do the good work of God knowing that you will be lead to the land of milk and honey. Even if it takes time you persist.
Another good trait is that Moses does his best to lead the people to God. God gives Moses the laws and Moses does his best (with the help of God) to turn Israel into a holy nation. There are moments when the people falter, like when they worship the golden calf. But Moses tries his best to lead them to holiness. As a chaplain, you are to lead your people to God and holiness even when they falter. I hope I continue to be a good chaplain and a good leader to those I meet in the future.
Emma, I am so glad that you felt God at work this summer building community in the virtual community we were forced into. It is a joy to see you lead by modeling welcome when not knowing all the steps ahead. You were a constant presence, you were open, you continued to build community through presence and conversation.
ReplyDeleteIn connection to your last paragraph, in what ways did we falter this summer? What were some "laws" that kept us going?
Katie