1/17/2024
Blessing and Benediction from Rev. Ivan Herman
by Rev. Ivan Herman
The traditional American Shaker song “Simple Gifts” is a dancing song, full of movement and spirit.
“When true simplicity is gained,
to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
to turn, turn, will be our delight,
till by turning, turning we come ‘round right.”
To turn will be our delight! Jonah called on the Ninevites to repent (to turn). Jesus called his disciples to repent (to turn), to believe in the good news, and to follow him.
What would it look like if we treated repentance not as a reason for mourning, sackcloth, and ashes, but rather as a joyful and worthy reason for dancing? God’s judgment is love!
Following Jesus on the path to holiness and wholeness is often one of unlearning the shame that our fears have taught us. Turn and learn to delight in God’s love for you!
May you be blessed with true simplicity and lives that always turn toward delight in both human and Divine love.
Rev. Ivan Herman
Rev. Ivan Herman has served as the associate pastor at Carmichael Presbyterian Church since 2009 and is active in the Presbytery of North Central California. He grew up in Ecuador and Colombia, and has previously served as pastor or ruling elder in Presbyterian congregations in Memphis, TN, Washington, DC, and San Antonio, TX. He holds an annual pass to U.S. National Parks as well as degrees from American University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Wake Forest University. Ivan lives in Sacramento with his spouse, Susan. They keep a well-stocked fridge for their two itinerant young adult sons., but the ice cream never even makes it to the freezer.
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