Marlo's Memo

Last night I watched from the living room as my husband sat in our office in meetings for over an hour and a half trying to determine the best way to lead our church. What I have learned during the course of our marriage is that it is hard for our pastors to minister to people who don't agree with each other. I'm not saying people don't agree with God. I'm saying people don't agree with other people.  Over the last few months, our church leadership has tried to make the best decisions based on the information they have at the time. Has everyone agreed with their decisions? No. Has everyone trusted their decisions? No. Have people reached out regarding their decisions? Yes. The final answer: No one agrees, and we are all adjusting and have been since day one of COVID-19 in our country. Our new normal is chaotic and scary, frustrating and overwhelming. The following is what I personally feel we all need to step back and realize: If we have to wear masks, some will be ...

      As I sat here listening to Gov. Abbott tell us the plan for opening the state of Texas, I could see our daughter, who is a senior, standing across the room. When Gov. Abbott mentioned schools will be closed for the rest of the year, her shoulders dropped a little. Then when he talked about graduation, or at least some type of plan for it, her shoulders and countenance dropped even more knowing graduation will most likely not happen as she planned. It was the first time I had seen her feelings about this in physical form.              Yes, I hurt for her. I know she wants to wear her cap and gown. She wants to decorate the top of that mortar board so we can “find” her in the sea of black gowns and matching caps. She was excited to receive her graduation package back in March – two days before spring break, two days before her senior year ended, two days before her life of primary education ended. Non...