September 7, 2021
BRIDGES OF LOVE
Kathy Manfredi
Volunteer, Illinois
Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell.
Isaiah 58:12
As a volunteer with MMM, many of the most memorable experiences involved crossing bridges. Some were long and spanned rivers or other seemingly insurmountable divides. All were narrow, made of logs, occasionally with broken or rotting sections. A few bounced as we drove over them and one even had a turn in the middle. This year, these memories reminded me of other bridges we navigate as Christians.
Traditionally, bridges are built to connect areas that would otherwise be isolated or separated. This year, the pandemic has caused people to feel detached and isolated, but haven’t we experienced a sense of distancing and separation at other times in our lives? What divides individuals and what kinds of bridges are we called upon to build? Can’t poverty, inequity, loneliness, bitterness, injustice, dishonesty, betrayal, jealousy, pride, self-absorption, lack of trust, or lack of integrity also cause isolation and separation? How can we be repairers of these breaches? Can we build bridges when the chasms are emotional or societal? Can we still experience a sense of community?
While crossing the bridges in Malawi, it was important we headed in the right direction, to keep our wheels going straight, and to shift when necessary. Upon arrival, we were embraced within a community, bound together by faith and responding to God’s call.
I recently read an article about living in a “communion table spirit;” taking intentional steps to shift how we live and act together. In building emotional bridges, we are compelled to listen, to see each other as unique children of God, to have the right motivation, to form common goals, and to hear God’s call. Sections may break away, bounce, or even take a different turn. Regardless of these bumps and pitfalls, continue to pray and worship together, read the Bible, develop your faith and have fellowship. What could be greater than repairing a breach and extending love to God’s children?
Application Question: Do you feel isolated? Why? What bridges are you called upon to build? What shifts can you make to create the spirit of a communion table?
Prayer: Dear Lord, open our eyes and ears so we can see the isolation and estrangement around us. Open our hearts and help us to restore peace and unity. Make us repairers of the breach. Amen.
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