Sunday, October 5, 2008

It's Hard to Leave Home

“There's no place like home. There's no place like home.” Who of us doesn't know those words by heart? Infamous lines from The Wizard of Oz. No matter how many times I watch it, when Dorothy clicks her heels and repeats those words, my stomach flutters. As a little girl, I couldn't imagine anything worse than being separated from home, from your family.

I could almost feel the same gentle flutters as we recently left our church home. It is not easy to leave those you have grown with, laughed with and loved. Taking our family of six and visiting another church was like being in someone else's home. The smells were different, the sounds were different and the people were different.

Thankfully, like a good family who raises up strong children to go out on their own and to know right from wrong, we have been brought up with a strong foundation. Our previous church family taught us to be respectful of all, but to always put God and His word first. We have been trained in the ministry on how to serve others. The lesson of God, others, self, coming back to mind like the teachings of a loving parent.

As we seek the Lord to lead our family to where we are to serve next, we are learning that as long as Jesus is by our side we are home.


12 comments:

Mari said...

You are right. Leaving your church is very difficult. We had to do it about 18 years ago, but have been very blessd in the church we found. Sounds like you have been too.

Cheri said...

It is one of the most difficult things- leaving your church.
Praying you're blessed where you land and I'm sure you will be a blessing to them as well.

Aunt Angie said...

Follow Him. Wherever He leads....it will be the perfect fit for you all. I know it's tough. We discussed today how homesick we are for our home church...but we must continue to work where we've been planted.

I had to copy you...I posted my Fall decorating mess! Mine is not nearly as pretty and coordinated as yours...but maybe when you come down here for your sweet tea and red velvet cake....well, you'll help???

Love you!!!

Anonymous said...

oh, i've walked those steps before...it's hard- but church truly is, wherever we are- we are the church...be blessed my friend. After moving very far away from our church home, we still have a very hard time adjusting to our new life and new church...

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

May your landing be gentle and sacred...in the place of his choosing. As a clergy family, we know all too well the strange pull between our familiar and our moving on.

God is faithful to meet you wherever you land! Happy Monday.

peace~elaine

candypb said...

Amen! We took that big step 2 years ago and I couldn't be happier. It's been a blessing and we have all grown through our experience. and I agree, "God is where we are!"

Growin' With It said...

i can surely identify with this. and in our perspective it is in the ministry! the best part though is that there is always that familiar look in each church...the look of God's love and presence!

i pray you find peace in this journey ahead!

elizabeth embracing life said...

I think those ruby red slippers go well with that new Sunday dress in your new church. Really, change is hard, but something about a church that has food simmering that says you are home.

A Stone Gatherer said...

I can't even imagine that process, how hard it would be! But you are so right when it's time to go you need to be faithful! Praying that you land somewhere soon and that God blesses abundantly!

Unknown said...

That is a very difficult thing, but you'll find the place that the Lord wants you to be.

I have had several friends go through this recently. Some are now extremely happy where they are and others are in transition churches, still not knowing where the right place is.

Shermanators said...

Thank you for that encouragement! My husband and I are diligently praying about moving from sunny San Diego, to Colorado Springs. We are so very scared (mostly with the job thing), but I loved how you said,

"As we seek the Lord to lead our family to where we are to serve next, we are learning that as long as Jesus is by our side we are home."

Beautiful and so comforting! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with all your bloggy friends! :)

Good luck with the new church! I know how hard that can be. We've been there too.

Love,
Kelli

kellie said...

Wow Joanne - I know you have been praying about this. God will lead you exactly where He wants you to continue growing into Christ likeness. I am praying for HIs direction for your family. "Trust and Obey, for theres no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
xoxo, kellie

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