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We Need You, by Pastor Frank Alegria

Some years ago, I was invited to offer a prayer during a monthly Duncanville Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The Chamber also heard a few words from a “Living Legend,” Cathy Self Morgan, then Head Basketball Coach of the Duncanville High School Pantherettes. She has since retired.

Coach Self Morgan gave an inspiring speech on leadership development—something she instilled deeply in her team members. She has proven to be a leader who also molds others into leaders. However, what stood out most was how she closed her speech with a phrase she often used to end basketball practices and other gatherings:

We love you.

We need you.

We can’t do it without you.

That phrase is about relationship. It carries more than just the obvious meaning; it holds potential within its words. First, it is plural—“We.” Second, its verbs are active—“love,” “need,” “do.” And lastly, it is personal—“you.”

As I listened, I thought of the church.What if we said these words to everyone who walks through our doors? What if we said them to those who have faithfully been the church through the years? What if we said them to our families—or to each other?Of course, these words must be spoken sincerely, from the heart.

And then I wondered—what if we said these words to God? What if we said them to one another, as God’s people? Because I believe God says these very words to us every day. When we pray, we talk to God. When we read God’s Word, God talks to us.

Incline your ear to what God is saying to you even now. I think I hear something:

We love you.

We need you.

We can’t do it without you.

Blessings from Pottsboro, Pastor Frank (alegria@lakewayumc.org)

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he willmake straight your paths.

John 3:16-17 (NRSV)16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternallife. 17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved throughhim.