From the UCC Network: Devotional for 12/19 "The Best Advice I Ever Got"

The Best Advice I Ever Got

Excerpt from Luke 1: 25-35

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God”

Reflection by Ron Buford

As a child, our home was one of the places visiting ministers came to stay -- sometimes for a few days of preaching, sometimes for a week. Each day was like Sunday – especially at mealtime. At dinner, divergent perspectives on the Bible, controversies of the day along with laughter filled the air, mingling with the fragrances of truly amazing food.

On one such night, our visiting minister was the late Rev. Elestine Corbin, from Youngstown, Ohio—an excellent preacher and storyteller who could nearly sing the heavens open. Back home after church one night, over Queen Dorothy’s (my mom’s) homemade pound cake—just out of the oven and still warm—Rev. Corbin took time to chat with me, just the two of us.

Talking about the challenges of being a single black woman evangelist out in the world, she said, “Ronnie, the two most important gifts to pray for in life are: Favor with God; and favor with people.” Pausing for more cake, she moaned and continued, “Education and intelligence are essential. Good manners are a must. But Divine favor and favor with people are the active ingredients that make the other two work right.” Letting out a “Ha!,” she looked me in the eye and as if looking through me, said, “Son, with that, you’ll be able to do almost anything.”

That was the best advice I ever got, and not just for me, but for people of all stripes, weighed down sometimes and trying to get through life with joy and self-respect.

Do not be afraid, Mary, when people won’t believe your story about Jesus’ birth.

Do not be afraid, Mary, when people say bad things about this child of your heart.

Do not be afraid, Mary, when your baby is ripped from your arms, cursed publicly, spat upon and hung on a cross . . and they said it was “good news”

No matter how bad it looks, hang on and remember . . .  you have found favor with God.

And even when you no longer believe it, remember this moment. It’s gonna be alright. Truly, you have found favor . . . with God!

Prayer

Ha!  Amen and Amen!

About the Author Ron Buford, former coordinator of the UCC’s God is still speaking campaign, currently serves as Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference. A consultant, group leader and speaker, he appears in Living the Questions: Resourcing Progressive Christians.