June 2, 2020

Erin Kemble from Clifton, Virginia, is finding ways to bring a smile and encouragement to her neighbors.  Because of social distancing orders, her catering job is at a pause, but she’s still finding ways to serve many.  Every day she is putting on a costume with an uplifting and funny message.  Her first front-porch character appeared on March 30.  She dressed up in a pig costume with a poster saying, “This little piggy stayed home.”  She was able to smile and wave to the many people around the neighborhood who were walking, biking, or driving by.  Since the first day, she’s been everything from E.T., Napoleon Dynamite, Smokey the Bear, and Rosie the Riveter – each with its own message that’s both relative to the character and current situation, as well as bringing a smile to others.  She’s doing this all because she wants to make people laugh at a time when the world overall is sad.  She is using her gifts of creativity and hospitality to bring light to her neighbors and, now, as far as the online world can reach.

It’s important that we take the time to use our gifts.  We all have different gifts and different opportunities, but we can all make a difference.  We are the body of Christ, sharing one message of hope and faith in Christ.  But the way we do this varies from person to situation.  Sometimes we share this message with our words, with a phone call, a sermon or devotion, or a note in the mail.  Sometimes we share this message with our actions, by delivering a meal, helping a neighbor, and doing our part to help in this pandemic.  Sometimes we may do this more creatively that fits our particular gifts and circumstances, just like Erin Kemble used her front porch as a stage for sharing encouragement.  But no matter how you share this message of God’s hope around you, just do it.  Your gifts and your reach are unique, important, and needed.

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:4-13

– Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry