An
Inkling
It
caught my eye. So I whipped out my phone
and captured this image from the Virginia Historical Society’s display on
religion in the Commonwealth.
These
are the words of a 19th century VMI cadet. In case you can’t read the picture, here are
its words: For wild hilarity commend me to a coterie of strictly reared young female
Presbyterians. An evening spent among
them is like sitting upon an iceberg cracking hailstones with one’s teeth. Having reared three young female
Presbyterians, who weren’t nearly so cold, I found this especially funny.
But
it is telling of our image. Many who
don’t know the Lord see Christians in general as sticks in the mud. And Presbyterians in particular have a
reputation for dour countenance that goes way back.
That’s
one reason I love St. Giles. The
seriousness with which we take our faith breaks that stereotype with a joy and
love that are always bubbling up.
There
are reasons for that. And I believe
we’re in for a joyful discovery of those reasons as we reflect this coming
weekend on what God has done here. Art
Thomas, a church historian and son of this church, will lead us in our
reflections as the grand finale of our 75th Anniversary.
A
sermon and lectures on church history?
Sounds about as much fun as sitting
upon an iceberg cracking hailstones with one’s teeth. And it would be for many topics and in many settings.
But
here’s this odd church where the seriousness with which they pursue their faith
produces not grimness but joy.
Hmmm. Interesting… What’s that about?
Come
and see!
Keith
