With apologies to Master Yoda

With Apologies to Master Yoda...

“You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment…” (Ephesians 2:8-10a, CEB)

May the 4th be with you! If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know that every year, at least in recent years, the Star Wars empire is celebrated on May 4th. This is because the famous blessing given in the Star Wars movies is “May the Force be with you.” So, May the 4th rhymes… get it?

Usually on May 4th there are all sorts of inspirational Star Wars quotes that are shared. Today, I want to focus on just one: In The Empire Strikes Back, Master Yoda says to Luke Skywalker, “Do, or do not. There is no try.”[i] Luke has been whining that life is too hard, and finally whines that he will try to do as Yoda says, and Yoda insists trying isn’t enough.

There are many times I would agree with Yoda, and he is a wise character indeed. This year, however, I’m going to (gasp!) disagree with Master Yoda! This year, trying is plenty enough.

There are many pressures with living through quarantine and a pandemic. One of those pressures comes from the statements shared that during former pandemics there were many great insights, inventions, and breakthroughs by amazing humans. No doubt that is also happening now. However, that doesn’t mean we HAVE to do something earth-shattering. You don’t have to reinvent calculus. You don’t have to master the Force. You can do. You can do not. Or, you can simply try your best. Sorry, Yoda, but sometimes all we can do is to Try.

My friends, don’t put too much pressure on yourselves this week. God created you to exist in the very moment and space in which you find yourself. So, exist. Breathe. Do when you can, don’t feel bad when you can’t. Truly, even Yoda doesn’t always get it perfect. So, grant yourselves grace – the grace God has promised us. Amen.

-Pastor Steph

And, an invitation:

Join us for another Prayer and Communion time, Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 7:20pm! Have a bit of bread/cracker/whatever and a bit to drink, and bring your prayer concerns to share as well.

Prayer and Communion Time Thu, May 7, 2020 7:20 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

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