“I will create reason for praise: utter prosperity to those far and near, and I will heal them, says the Lord.”
~Common English Bible
A Few Thoughts from some of the Faithful at Cypress Creek Christian Church
~From Peggy Fuss
There can be no authentic praise, without peace and no true peace, without pardon and compassion. The mystery of the Holy Spirit is made evident through our human condition and connection. The divine makes itself known through; a heartfelt prayer, an uplifting song, an encouraging word, a reassuring hug, a tearful witness, a simple supper, a compassionate glance or a subtle smile. That which I receive, I can’t help but give. I am grateful for the unconditional love that God has lavished on me, through the disciples, leadership and clergy, of Cypress Creek Christian Church. Surely, God has created a reason for me to praise!
~From Diane Lipton
Cypress Creek Cristian Church has been life changing for Larry and me over the past 15 years! We were welcomed into the church family with great love and generous hearts, and we were encircled with loving arms and compassion du ring my parents’ passing and my two broken bone surgeries. Friends shared the joy of the birth of our grandchildren with great enthusiasm and continue to show genuine interest in them….a gift that I treasure! The Creek is truly our family and blesses our life continuously!
~From Herbye Murray
Compassion is a gift that I received from God. I have struggled to use this gift appropriately in my life. It is easy to resist and fear things or people we do not understand. Through prayer, study and worship, I have learned to embrace this gift and make it an important part of my life.
When I was a child, there was diversity in the world, but not in my community, church, or school. At the ripe old age of 11, I was faced with true diversity for the first time. I was moved from a school where I had friends and positive relationships with my teachers to a school where I knew no one and very few people looked like me. It was very unsettling and I felt peace had been sucked from my life. I experienced for the first time, the world’s judgment. I was judged for how I looked and not for who I was. People feared me for things that I could not control or change.
Fortunately, I grew up in a Christian family who taught me to love God, my family and myself. I was taught I was good enough because God created me. As I have continued my faith journey, the world has become even more diverse. My children were exposed to diverse cultures daily. They did not experience that isolated existence that I did. I cherish learning about different people, customs, and faith journeys that are different from my own through faith practices or simple cultural differences. With this knowledge, I have a better understanding of God’s calling for me to love all of my brothers and sisters in this world unconditionally. It is easier for me to pray for those I don’t understand or agree with. It is easier for me to find that inner peace that God promised me. Compassion! What a beautiful gift from God.
